Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Hereditary Cancers — Genetic Counseling
Consent, results, and family communication
Germline testing has medical, psychological, and family implications. Counseling exists before and after the test — reading a raw report alone is not enough, especially when variants of uncertain significance (VUS) appear.
Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
This educational figure shows: Counseling.
Key points
Before testing
Clarify the question, possible result categories (pathogenic / negative / VUS), costs, and how relatives might be informed.
After testing
Pathogenic findings guide screening, risk-reducing options, and cascade testing. A negative result does not always erase clinical risk based on family history.
- Key note inside
Privacy
Genetic results are sensitive health data. Use planned secure transfer rather than informal file dumps.
- Key note inside
Important
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Frequently asked questions
What is a VUS?
A variant of uncertain significance — it needs expert interpretation and is not treated as a proven pathogenic finding.
Should I send raw genetic PDFs on WhatsApp?
Prefer secure clinical channels. Avoid sharing ID numbers or unnecessary personal data in chat apps.
More chapters in this hub
Hereditary Cancer Overview
When hereditary risk is considered and how sequencing works
Lynch Syndrome
MMR/MSI, colorectal risk, and family screening
BRCA and Familial Breast Risk
Who is offered testing; surgery and surveillance frame
FAP
Polyposis, APC, and surgical timing
MUTYH and Serrated Polyposis
MAP, serrated pathway, and surveillance intervals
CDH1
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer risk
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
TP53 and multi-cancer spectrum
Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome
Hamartomatous polyps and surveillance
Molecular Testing in Cancer
Organ-specific biomarkers that often open this conversation
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.