Knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and barriers pertaining to genetic literacy among surgeons: a scoping review.

Background: The rapid evolution of genetic technologies and utilization of genetic information for clinical decision-making has necessitated increased surgeon participation in genetic counselling, testing, and appropriate referral of patients for genetic services, without formal training in genetics. We performed a scoping review to describe surgeons' knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and barriers pertaining to genetic literacy in the management of patients who had confirmed cancer or who were potentially genetically at risk.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

Prophylactic Surgery in the BRCA+ Patient: Do Women Develop Breast Cancer While Waiting?

Breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) mutation carriers have an increased risk of breast cancer. Mitigation of this risk can be achieved via surveillance or prophylactic mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction. Those that choose surgery expect to reduce their chance of developing cancer.

Evaluating learning and knowledge retention after a continuing medical education course on total mesorectal excision for surgeons.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether knowledge gained (as determined by a formal course test) by surgeons in a continuing education course on total mesorectal excision and rectal cancer management is retained 1 year later. A formal course test had been previously developed and validated. The test evaluated course content including pelvic anatomy, surgical techniques, imaging, pathology, adjuvant therapies, and cancer and functional outcomes.

Can cytology accurately predict benign follicular nodules?

Background: The reliability of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy in differentiating benign from malignant follicular lesions of the thyroid has been the subject of renewed debate recently. Although surgical excision has been recommended for most follicular lesions identified by cytology, this approach may not be necessary in all cases. The goal of this study was to determine whether FNA could be used as a diagnostic tool to safely identify patients with follicular thyroid nodules who do not require immediate surgical intervention.

Effects of positive resection margin and tumor distance from anus on rectal cancer treatment outcomes.

Purpose: Rectal cancer outcome depends on stage, technical aspects of surgical excision, and use of adjuvant chemoradiation. Here, we examine effects of positive resection margin and tumor distance from the anus in stage 2 and 3 cancers on 4-year disease-specific survival and recurrence.

Methods: We reviewed all 495 rectal cancer patients registered in British Columbia in 1996.