A comprehensive model for cancer prevention and early detection

Some cancers develop as a result of genetic factors that occur in families. These cancers are linked to the heritable genetic pathogenic variants. About 5-10% of all cancers are related to hereditary syndromes in which the carriers have a higher chance to develop certain types of cancer. A charity-based institute in Central Iran, Ala cancer prevention and control center, has a department for genetic counseling of at-risk families for cancer. It provides some services such as the comprehensive genetic counseling sessions and education for risk reduction in the families registered in an established electronic database in center. The promotion of at-risk family members’ awareness toward cancer risk factors (environmental and genetic factors) is considered in the educational preventive services including risk reduction advices and cancer early detection methods. Some of the health principles in Iranian traditional medicine are recommended to the audience as a complete package of health-related preventive rules.At-risk families are invited for genetic counseling according to some criteria such as a positive familial history and early onset cancer. A risk assessment would be done by pedigree analysis, medical records and personal health history. In familial cases at-risk for hereditary syndromes genetic testing would be likely helpful. A second genetic counseling session should be arranged for interpreting the test results and explain the choices for medical prevention and early diagnosis. Some of these steps are done in partnership with psycho-oncology department to manage psychological outcomes. Follow-up services include annual phone and presence follow up for at-risk families to remind and emphasize the importance of early screening tests. Since 2014, 2224 families have been got genetic counseling and prevention services in this center. This is done for the first time in Iran and due to the growth of cancer rate, it should be provided at every cancer prevention center.

کلیدواژه ها:

comprehensive model ، cancer ، prevention ، early detection