Dados do Resumo

Título

The distress of oncogenetic counseling for patients and their relatives

Introdução

Oncogenetic counseling plays a guiding role for patients, since the confirmation of a mutation in the gene chain can elucidate why a tumor manifestation affects an individual or a family. However, there is an intrinsic emotional weight in knowing that you have or are predisposed to a neoplastic condition. Given this, it is important to address the emotional impacts after oncogenetic counseling in order to assist not only physical health, but also mental health.

Objetivo

This paper aims to provide a brief review of the importance of a clinical approach that is receptive to the emotional values of patients and their families within the practice of medical oncology and oncogenetics.

Métodos

Based on a search of the PubMed, LILACS and Scielo databases, the descriptors “Aconselhamento Genético”, “Estresse Psicológico” and “ Síndromes Neoplásicas Hereditárias” were used, as well their respective english words “Genetic Counseling”, “Stress, Psychological” and “Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary”. The selection criteria were works published in the last 10 (ten) years, in English or Portuguese, carried out between January 1, 2014 and September 8, 2024. Twelve articles were selected, which were read in full and their recommendations compiled.

Resultados

Of the 12 articles surveyed, 5 highlight the importance of individualized care according to the emotional demands and singularities of each patient (5,7, 8,9, 11). To this end, it is necessary or the oncogeneticist to keep the language accessible during conversations, as supported by 3 authors (1,2,11), and to be committed to treating individuals who require more dense psychological support, a concept presented by 5 articles (3,5,7,8,11). 2 papers support the idea that, if the counselor deems it necessary, he or she can ask for support from the multidisciplinary team in order to embrace the psychological issues that arise during counseling in a broader way (1,12). 3 studies argue that the emotional state of patients and their families is correlated with concerns about the hereditary mechanism of cancer that predisposes or affects them (4,6,9).

Conclusões

In order to reduce the distress of oncogenetic counseling, the professional's approach needs to focus on the anxieties and fears that the patient expresses. It is the counselor's responsibility to integrate these emotional issues in order to resolve doubts, promote literacy in genetics and mitigate fears. To do this end, it is necessary to use accessible language and recognize patients who require more psychological support and, if necessary, request assistance from the multidisciplinary team.

Palavras Chave

Genetic Counseling; Distress; Neoplastic Syndromes Hereditary