Disability training in the genetic counseling curricula: bridging the gap between genetic counselors and the disability community.

Over the past two decades, disability activists, ethicists, and genetic counselors have examined the moral complexities inherent in prenatal genetic counseling and considered whether and in what ways genetic counseling may negatively affect individuals in the disability community. Many have expressed concerns about defining disability in the context of prenatal decision-making, as the definition presented may influence prenatal choices. In the past few years, publications have begun to explore the responsibility of counselors in presenting a balanced view of disability and have questioned the preparedness of counselors for this duty.

Successful strategies for increasing African American participation in cancer genetic studies: hopeful signs for equalizing the benefits of genetic medicine.

Objective: To determine whether prior success in recruiting African Americans to an in-house cancer genetics registry could be duplicated when recruiting to a national registry requiring a significantly increased level of commitment. Additionally, to determine which recruitment sources and practices yielded the highest number of African American participants.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of recruitment sources, practices, and results for recruitment to the Cancer Genetics Network (CGN; a national research registry), from 2000 to 2005 was conducted.