November 14 was Genetic Counsellor Awareness Day in Ireland and around the world. It’s important to note that it is an ‘awareness’ day rather than an ‘appreciation’ day because genetic counselling is still an under-recognised field. Genetic counsellors are healthcare professionals who provide information and support to families and individuals who are at risk for or affected by a genetic condition.
We have 17 cancer genetic counsellors and two genetic counselling assistants at City of Hope to handle this volume. In contrast, there are five cancer genetic counsellors at St James’s Hospital in Dublin.
Dr O’Shea said the St James’s cancer genetic service welcomed Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly’s announcement of funding to implement the Hereditary Cancer Model of Care in 2025. Genetic counsellors are a key part of delivering optimal oncology care. To respond to the demand for access to cancer genetic testing and counselling, permanent funding for 20 cancer genetic counsellors in oncology care is required nationally to serve a population of 5.3 million people. Additionally, a step forward to increase the capacity of genetic counsellors in the Irish health system is a HSE-funded training pathway.
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 