HNPCC Info

HNPCC Info: Genetic Discrimination and health care: http://thomas.loc.gov

What's the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)? The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, also referred to as GINA, is a new federal law that protects Americans from being treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that may affect their health. The new law prevents discrimination from health insurers and employers. The President signed the act into federal law on May 21, 2008. The parts of the law relating to health insurers will take effect by May 2009, and those relating to employers will take effect by November 2009. What's genetic discrimination? Genetic discrimination occurs if people are treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that increase their chances of getting a certain disease. For example, a health insurer might refuse to give coverage to a woman who has a DNA difference that raises her odds of getting breast cancer. Employers also could use DNA information to decide whether to hire or fire workers.

To him who devotes his life to science, nothing can give more happiness than increasing the number of discoveries, but his cup of joy is full when the results of his studies immediately find practical applications. — Louis Pasteur

Even if you have the information, you are a nurse and you want to advocate for better assessment and or screening, you can't get it done. The knowledge might be there but not the values to improve the health care. Even when one is in a position to have some influence. First of all - congrads on the article! I'm not sure exactly where you should start. Were you interested in initially working with a subset of women (e.g. maternity)? If that were the case I'd start perhaps with blank and blank (or whoever is OB chief). If you were thinking of a broader population, perhaps blank would be a good place to start. Just to muddy the waters a little - I totally understand what your mission is and it sounds like a great way of potentially saving lives. On the other hand, keep in mind that everyone is supersensitive to the amount of documentation nsg is required to do and the amount of data collection/assessments that continues to fall on the staff nurse. (I just had this conversation...

I got a call last night from Dr. Aran. He read the article that I did on HNPCC. We discussed how even if you are diagnosed there is no benefit to extra screening or precautions. It didn't help mom or effect the way she was treated. The title of the manuscript is HNPCC: Change the name to protect the innocent.

Yesterday I was very emotional, I think that bringing up mom makes brings out a lot of emotions that I haven't experienced. I guess that is part of the grief process and it keeps coming back. On Sunday I imagined she was talking to me like "I told you so". I am still angry about mom and that being diagnosed with HNPCC did not do her a bit of good. It isn't like they did any thing different. The surgeon didn't even do the surgery. He does research but if he doesn't pay attention to the basics of caring for his patient and treating them with respect I have no respect for him.

Cancer risk is also increased in genetic forms of colon cancer. There are two known genetic forms of colon cancer: familial adeno-polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Genetic inherited cancers account for 5-10% of all colon cancers (Burt, 1997). Researchers have identified single genes that lead to colon cancer susceptibility. These genes are transmitted to offspring through an autosomal dominant pattern; offspring of these carriers have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene mutation and the associated risks (Glaser, 1998).