Mainstreaming in cancer genetics refers to a model where testing for a cancer predisposition gene is integrated into oncology services, for those with a personal cancer diagnosis. This approach is also being adopted across many other non-cancer specialties, as a means of increasing access to genetic testing for patients.
Mainstreamed pathways enable more timely access to cancer predisposition gene tests for patients with cancer, as part of the standardised management of cancer care, and in line with nationally agreed criteria and protocols.
In practice, this means that pre-test counselling and consent processes for cancer predisposition gene tests are undertaken at the point-of-care by a member of the clinical cancer team caring for the patient.
Referral to a specialist cancer genetics professional is then usually reserved for those patients found to have a pathogenic or uncertain variant, or patients with a suspected cancer predisposition syndrome or complex family histories. The mainstream approach saves time, is a more efficient use of resources and provides continuity of knowledge for both the treating clinicians and the patient.
Resources to support mainstreaming:
A template consent form has been developed for use by teams who are carrying out mainstreamed cancer genetic testing.
Template consent form (PDF, 201.8KB, 1 page)
Template consent form (word, 103.4KB, 1 page)
A patient information leaflet on Genetic and Genomic Testing is available on the NGGO website and to order on www.healthpromotion.ie
