Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Oncogenetics

Cancer, a word that brings a cloud of worry, is the second biggest reason people worldwide pass away. In 2020 alone, about 10 million people lost their lives to this disease. Various factors can tip the scales toward cancer, such as our genes, age, gender, habits like smoking and drinking, and even past infections. Interestingly, around 13% of cancers that were found in 2018 were linked to infections known to cause cancer, including some nasty names like Helicobacter pylori and Hepatitis viruses.

While it’s common to think of cancer as mainly caused by our environment, about 5-10% of cases actually stem from genetic issues. This means that cancer is like a party where some guests (mutations) show up uninvited and start causing chaos. These mutations either speed up cell growth (think of it as pressing the gas pedal) or slow it down too much (which is like hitting the brakes too hard), both leading to an overflow of cells, or tumors.

#A Sneak Peek into Oncogenes

More than 40 years ago, scientists stumbled upon the first proto-oncogene, called the SRC gene, back when disco was still alive and kicking. This gene helped researchers peek into how oncogenes work. A proto-oncogene is like a friendly neighbor that helps keep our cells in check by sending signals for regular growth. But when it misbehaves or gets a mutation, it suddenly becomes an oncogene, which encourages the cells to party way too much.

Oncogenes have a few different ways to get activated, kind of like how you can push a button on a video game controller: a point mutation, gene amplification, or chromosomal rearrangement. All fancy terms that essentially mean something went wrong.

#The Role of Genetic Counselors

As we learn more about genetics and cancer, the number of genetic counselors has been on the rise. These are the folks who help people understand their genetic risks, which can sometimes feel like reading a foreign language! They chat with patients, explain risks, and help people decide if more testing is needed. Think of them as guides in the complicated world of genetics.

Doctors and specialists often spot patients who could benefit from Genetic Testing. But don't worry; there are options for regular folks too who want to know more about their own genetic health. Collecting family health history is the first step in figuring out who might need testing, and various medical societies have shared guidelines to help doctors assist their patients.

#The Challenge for Healthcare Workers

General practitioners often find themselves in tricky situations when it comes to genetic information. They may be asked about the value of genetic tests, and shockingly, many don’t feel entirely confident in their knowledge of genetics. To really help their patients, healthcare workers need to step up their game in understanding oncogenetics.

Some mutations discovered in oncogenes have led to changes in how specific cancers are treated. For example, the BCR/ABL1 oncogene plays a role in chronic myeloid leukemia, and a drug called Imatinib can put the brakes on it. What was once considered a deadly disease is now seen as a manageable condition!

#A Peek into Breast Cancer Awareness

Let's get serious for a moment. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, not just worldwide but also in Lebanon. That's why a study was conducted to see how well healthcare workers understand oncogenetics, particularly regarding breast cancer. The aim? To figure out if they know enough to help people.

The study involved nurses, medical interns, doctors, and residents. A questionnaire teased out their understanding of oncogenetics. To make it interesting, the survey asked 12 questions divided into two sections. Part one was about general oncogenetics knowledge, while part two was all about breast cancer specifics.

#Survey Results

Out of 184 participants, a few interesting things came to light.

• More females than males took part, but the age group was mostly young adults, aged 18-30.
• Medical interns made up the largest portion of participants, so you could say the future of medicine was at the survey!
• Most participants knew about oncogenetics, but a small number were baffled by the term, mostly nurses.

When it came to scoring, most healthcare workers did well in the first section, but they stumbled a bit when diving into breast cancer oncogenetics. Only about 49% knew what the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were all about, and a whopping 75% missed the mark on how to read oncogenetic test results.

The scores showed that those familiar with the term "oncogenetics" performed better than those who weren’t. And here's a funny twist: male participants did a bit better in the breast cancer section. Maybe they thought it was a quiz about sports!

#What’s Next for Healthcare Workers?

This study revealed something pretty important: healthcare professionals generally understand oncogenetics, but there are significant gaps, especially among nurses. They often don’t feel confident about the knowledge needed to educate patients about cancer and genetics.

Given that healthcare workers play a huge role in spreading information about diseases, it’s critical to invest in educational programs. Training workshops could help everyone—from nurses to doctors—get on the same page when it comes to cancer and genetics.

Education can make a big difference. It’s been suggested that enhanced training could sharpen the skills of healthcare providers in understanding oncogenetics. Just as doctors and specialists need to know their stuff, nurses must stay informed too.

#The Importance of Community Knowledge

Having knowledgeable healthcare workers is crucial for the general public. Misunderstandings around genetics can lead to confusion and fear. Imagine going to your doctor with questions about your genes and leaving more puzzled than when you entered—that’s a real issue!

The ultimate goal is to arm healthcare professionals with the tools they need to help the community understand genetics better. If healthcare workers are well-informed, they can effectively answer questions and guide patients through the complex world of cancer risks and genetic testing.

#Conclusion

Oncogenetics is evolving, and it plays a critical role in cancer diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of healthcare workers in this area, we can better prepare them for future challenges. It seems clear that there's room for improvement, especially when it comes to breast cancer knowledge.

The study shines a light on the gaps in understanding, particularly among nurses, and suggests that educational initiatives are a necessity. Improving knowledge in oncogenetics among healthcare providers means better care for patients. That’s a win-win if there ever was one!

Armed with this knowledge, healthcare workers can confidently step into their roles as the frontline defenders against cancer misinformation. So let’s make sure they’re equipped to do just that!