Breast cancer – when to refer to genetic counseling?

Abstract: Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in women both in the world and in Croatia. If it is detected in the early stages of the disease, the chances of cure are high. Therefore, early screening is extremely important, since in the countries with systematic screening, mortality caused by breast cancer has decreased by 15-30%. Family medicine doctors play a major role in prevention, early diagnosis and subsequent follow-up of patients. Given their long-term knowledge and familiarity with the family history of patients in care, they play a key role in identifying those who meet the criteria for referral to genetic counseling. Genetic counseling is primarily voluntary, it takes into the account the individual's biopsychosocial characteristics while respecting all the principles of ethics and good practice.

Key words:
breast cancer; general practitioner; genetic counseling