Cancer genetic counseling in Chile: Addressing barriers, confronting challenges, and seizing opportunities in an underserved Latin American Community
Fernández-Ramires, Ricardo
Universidad Mayor
Morales-Pison, Sebastián
Universidad Mayor
Rucatti, Guilherme Gischkow
Universidad Mayor
Echeverría, César
Grupo Chileno de Cáncer Hereditario (GCCH)
San Martín, Esteban
Grupo Chileno de Cáncer Hereditario (GCCH)
Cammarata-Scalisi, Francisco
Grupo Chileno de Cáncer Hereditario (GCCH)
Salas-Burgos, Alexis
Grupo Chileno de Cáncer Hereditario (GCCH)
Adorno-Farias, Daniela
Grupo Chileno de Cáncer Hereditario (GCCH)
González-Arriagada, Wilfredo Alejandro
Grupo Chileno de Cáncer Hereditario (GCCH)
Norese, Gabriela
Universidad de Buenos Aires
Lázaro, Conxi
Institute Catala Oncologia
González, Sara
Institute Catala Oncologia
Pujana, Miguel Angel
Institut d'Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge
Sullcahuaman, Yasser
Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas
Margarit, Sonia
Grupo Chileno de Cáncer Hereditario (GCCH)
Journal
Genetics in Medicine Open
ISSN
2949-7744
Open Access
diamond
Volume
2
Purpose: Despite the rapid advancements in genomics and the enactment of a new cancer law in Chile, the implementation of cancer genetic counseling continues to face significant challenges because of limited resources and infrastructure. Methods: We conducted a survey targeting health care providers who offer genetic counseling to patients with cancer and possess training in genetics and counseling. Additionally, we distributed a separate survey to high-risk patients associated with an advocacy group to gather insights on their perceptions of and experiences with cancer genetic counseling. Results: Among the surveyed providers, 21% were nonmedical professionals who developed their skills through postgraduate continuing education programs. Germline testing was not performed in 47% of cases. Among the participants, 37% considered genetic counseling important for understanding the cause of their cancer, 25% valued knowing their risk of developing future tumors, and 33% believed it would benefit their current cancer treatment. Just over half of the patients (54%) had access to genetic counseling. Among those that received genetic counseling, 85% found it beneficial. Conclusion: In Chile, barriers to genetic counseling persist, particularly in rural areas and because of a shortage of trained professionals. Public policies recognizing genetic counseling's importance are crucial, along with expanding training and infrastructure. Understanding patient perceptions and increasing the number of trained genetic counseling into cancer care, educating clinicians, and advocating for increased access are key steps for enhancing cancer treatment effectiveness in Chile.
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