engleski

How to align genetic and psychological counselling in oncology patients?

Introduction and Aim: For many years, psychological counselling has been an integral part of oncology patients care in every major centre in the world, and as such in a way represents the first personalized approach to patients. With the development of genetics and new targeted drugs, the foundations of precision oncology are being established as part of the comprehensive treatment of oncology patients. Materials and Methods: Association “Everything for her”, in collaboration with the Centre for Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM - EP7) has been supporting patients and their families for many years in this interdisciplinary field that combines genetic and psychological approach, providing this service, unique in Croatia, to all interested oncology patients. Results: Thus, since September 2021, we have provided psychological information with adequate information related to the potential heredity of malignancies they suffer from and all other genetic aspects of disease for 46 patients and their family members. Some of them discovered that they are BRCA-positive and psychological counselling is extremely important and supports them in managing that information in a better way. The result of this collaboration was described positively by all users in terms of better understanding oncological diseases and subjectively better coping with a difficult diagnosis, including the feeling that they still have something under control. Conclusion: We believe that such forms of interaction are necessary in improving the health of individuals and represent an unavoidable way to improve the health care of patients as well as their family members.

genetic counselling ; psychological counselling

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