New resources support Australians living with inherited cancer risk
Developed with support from Cancer Australia, the suite includes nine educational resources and ten videos informed by the lived experiences of Australians affected by inherited cancer. The resources cover cancers including breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, melanoma, stomach and bowel cancer.
Topics were identified through community consultation and include communicating with family, cultural perspectives on genetic testing, fertility and reproductive choices, men's experiences, sexuality and relationships, menopause, body image, mental health and supportive care. These are also conversations cancer nurses increasingly encounter as genomics becomes more integrated into prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer nurses do not need to be genetics specialists to make an important contribution. Recognising when inherited risk may be relevant, helping people make sense of information and connecting patients and families with appropriate genetic, psychosocial and supportive care services are increasingly important elements of contemporary cancer nursing practice.
