[Psychological dimension of cancer genetics: Doctor-patient communication].

Abstract

Cancer is a disease that threatens life and body integrity. A method of cancer prediction is genetic testing, thus the primary detection of individuals who have oncogenes and are at risk of a hereditary cancer. Genetic counseling is the translation of technical information by physicians and the analysis of the problems subsequent to this information, into the therapeutic relationship. Generally, the communication between medical staff and patient must follow certain rules. There are two goals; the physician's comfort when he is dealing with giving news, especially bad news and the maintenance of patient's hope during making decisions for his health and his life. Communication skills focus on emotional reaction and empathy towards the patient.