Risk assessment for hereditary breast cancer: BRCA1 and BRCA2.

The recent explosion of hereditary breast cancer genetic research has strengthened our understanding of genetic influences on health and disease. These scientific advances have significant implications for clinical oncology nurses and advanced practice nurses. In this paper, the Human Response to Illness Model (Mitchell, Gallucci, & Fought, 1991) is utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer related to the human response of genetic mutations. Accordingly, the research literature related to the physiological, pathophysiological, behavioural, and experiential perspectives of BRCA-related breast cancer will be highlighted. This research-based evidence will provide oncology nurses with the skills to establish a holistic plan of care for women with an actual or potential genetic risk for breast cancer.