CME Introduction

It is estimated that it will require 3 hours to review the material in this continuing medical education program and to answer the CME Evaluation questions. A score of 70% correct answers is required for credit. Your CME certificate will be mailed or faxed to you within 3-4 weeks.

Two cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. As a consequence of the availability of genetic tests for mutations in these two genes, physicians should become knowledgeable about the appropriate use of these tests, in the context of patient selection, the information gained from such tests, management of clinical risk for cancer and the need for effective pre- and post-test patient counseling. Thus physicians need educational programs that provide an introduction to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, available genetic tests, appropriate circumstances for testing, rationale for detailed family cancer history, and the requirement for patient education and counseling.