Cancer Genetics

Catalog description

In this course, students will gain an understanding of cancer genetics. Topics covered include an overview of cancer biology and clinical oncology; diagnostics and predictive testing in cancer, including familial mutations in BRCA 1 and 2, and panel testing; cancer risk assessment; psychosocial aspects of cancer genetic testing and counseling. Students will examine specific inherited disorders predisposing individuals to malignancies and counseling for familial cancers. Students will learn how to conduct a genetic counseling session for inherited cancer syndromes such as HBOC and Lynch syndrome and to identify when genetic testing panels are indicated. In addition, the course will cover somatic cancer NGS technology and its relevance in cancer genetic counseling.