Physician preparedness for genetic counseling in a pediatric cancer center in Egypt

Abstract

Purpose: Considering the significant frequency of consanguinity in Egypt, a large portion of its childhood cancers may have an underlying hereditary component. The preparedness of physicians in the pediatric cancer setting to collaborate with genetic counselors is vital to provide the needed care. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey aiming to evaluate the level of genetic counselling knowledge and awareness among Egyptian physicians in a large pediatric cancer center, and the barriers they perceive to its implementation. Results: A total of 150 physicians were invited, of which, 52 responded to the questionnaire. Most of the participants were oncologists (86.5%), and 9.6% were from other subspecialties such as surgery, pathology, and radiology. The majority had practical exposure to genetics in clinic with 75% (39/52) reporting involvement in a case with hereditary cancer syndrome. The average knowledge score (SD) was 42.1 (6.9) out of 60. Knowledge scores were greater in those who had educational exposure to genetics. Most of the participants (76%) incorrectly agreed that a purpose of genetic counseling is to advise people on whether to have children. A sizeable portion (21%) didn’t know the type of training or education that a genetic counselor acquires. Overall, attitudes towards genetic counseling were positive. The most perceived barrier (42%) was their referral to an MD geneticist or other physician specialist for genetics related indications. Conclusions: Egyptian physicians working in pediatric cancer care have moderate familiarity with genetic risk assessment and recognize its value. However, there is a difficulty in discerning the specific tasks performed by genetic counselors and how they can be integrated in the clinical framework.