Ethical management of hereditary cancer information

Genetic diagnosis yields information that is highly relevant for both the p atient and the genetic relatives of the patient. In this article two ethica l problems are discussed. Under what conditions should hereditary cancer in formation be given to a relative? It is suggested that in order to answer t his question, three factors have to be considered and a balance struck: the seriousness of the condition. the existence of treatment or prevention and the reliability of the diagnosis. The second issue discussed in the articl e relates to the psychosocial effects of giving hereditary cancer informati on. It is argued that ethical management of clinical practice requires that further attention must be given to the psychosocial effects on both the in dividual and the family.