Informed Consent for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing

While the cloning of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 1994 and 1995 engendered great enthusiasm from cancer patients, their families and physicians, concerns about potential problems faced by those undergoing genetic testing were also evident. Although much can be learned from previous research on informed consent for testing and research for predictive genetic testing in diseases other than cancer, there are some specific issues related to cancer that make the questions more pressing, more difficult, and of larger social concern. Organizations such as the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research, the American Society for Human Genetics, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Task Force for Genetic Testing have presented recommendations about informed consent for cancer susceptibility testing. However, many unanswered questions remain concerning the informed consent process. This review provides background on informed consent, summarizes studies that have been conducted in the area of genetic testing, with a focus on testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2, and details recommendations for achieving informed consent for genetic testing for cancer susceptibility and research on cancer genetics.