It is very important for nurses to be aware of bioethical issues, since they work in many different roles which require them to understand these concerns. This also applies to moral ideals regarding cancer prevention and early detection. Technology plays a critical role in this respect, where increased understanding of human genetics helps to more efficiently find which people may be at risk. It is also important for nurses to better understand the procedures of genetic testing in order to morally and ethically conduct research.
There are tests available that detect mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Some mutations in these genes are correlated to a larger chance of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. There are obvious benefits to being genetically tested for being at risk for cancer. Being aware that you may be predisposed to cancer will lead to increased monitoring. By constant checking, you are more likely to detect development of cancer early on and can therefore treat it easier. .
However, there are negative effects to genetic testing of cancer predisposition. For one, it may cause psychological harm to an individual that has been identified as at risk. "Watchful waiting" can lead to paranoia, which can be very damaging. It is also very important to keep genetic information private. Those who are found to be predisposed to cancer through genetic testing may find themselves discriminated against if their predisposition is made public. Insurance companies might charge more for these individuals because they are more likely to develop cancer which is expensive to treat. Employers might not hire a person because they are afraid they might get sick. Nurses are necessary in the role of genetic counseling. They are responsible for explaining the ups and downs of genetic testing to potential participants. .
In the past, cancer prevention and screening trials were conducted on only a small part of the population, white males.
