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Archive 2020
Professor Hegarty presents at the Irish Cancer Society Annual National Conference
A range of speakers shared their experiences, stories and expert knowledge on living well after a cancer diagnosis....
The Irish Cancer Society annual national conference took place as an online event on the 29th and 30th September 2020. A range of speakers shared their experiences, stories and expert knowledge on living well after a cancer diagnosis through a mix of virtual presentations, interactive workshops and Q&A sessions.
Professor Josephine Hegarty presented a session which explored the barriers and facilitators that can impact on the individuals access to Cancer Genetic Counselling and Testing Services. A patient with a known history of certain cancers or family members of individuals diagnosed with certain cancers can be referred to “Cancer Genetic Services” for the assessment of their cancer family history, and potential suitability for cancer genetic testing. Such genetic testing can: help an individual understand whether an inherited health condition may affect them, their children or other family members; show if the individual is at higher risk of getting certain health conditions, including some types of cancer, and guide doctors in deciding what treatments best suit the person diagnosed with certain types of cancer. Within this presentation Professor Hegarty explored the individual level, service level and national level barriers and facilitators that can impact on the individuals access to such services. A notable body of literature demonstrates that individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged and racial/ethnic minority groups are less likely to receive cancer genetic services. Having a better understanding about the factors that impact access to cancer genetic services is a good starting point from which to address such inequalities. The Irish Cancer Society and UCC are currently conducting a study on this topic area if you would like to partake please contact J.Hegarty@ucc.ie or see https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/news/cancer-genetic-services-in-an-irish-context