Over the past decade, the demand for cancer genetic services has steadily increased. To support timely access to genetic testing for Canadians, the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors has created educational resources to support alternative models of genetic service delivery. This includes, but is not limited to, oncologist-ordered genetic testing (‘mainstreaming’).
Resources are available in French and English. They include:
- An informative pamphlet that educates patients on concepts of hereditary cancer, benefits and limitations of genetic testing, and possible results of genetic testing. This written resource is supported by a video module available on the CAGC YouTube channel (easily accessed using a QR link on the pamphlet).
- A pre-test checklist that supports non-genetics oncology providers in ordering genetic testing by highlighting key points to discuss with their patients.
- Result letters that provide patients with lay language summaries of their genetic test results. These can be sent to patients along with a copy of their genetic test results. Letters are available for positive, negative, and inconclusive (variant of uncertain significance) results.
- A templated slide deck that assists genetic counsellors in establishing a mainstreaming workflow and educating their local clinicians on its implementation.
All written resources can be downloaded for free and were designed to be printed in colour or greyscale. Resources were developed by the CAGC Mainstreaming Resources Working Group. French language translation was supported by the CAGC French Language Committee.
This project was made possible through the financial support of Merck Canada and Astrazeneca Canada. The opinions expressed are those of its authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Merck Canada and Astrazeneca Canada.