![The Medical Brain Trust and Germline Mutations Cartoon about medical policy, germline mutations, hereditary cancer, and the duty to warn.](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj_9uuEr_VGJDmrQQP3U-h9LxgkvuUeXTn81pSASmuVK064-stgfWW5WHqLVcHOk7QP8MUJCG2MNJ1Xt7B3R1YpR_avotL4BnlCjy8URM7SGY_ycpdRN5CfgLj2BXg5Op4kezPMSAy-CCpak0ErTmJ9SzVQdNawnUwvVUBDDqyHpooxTv7bSedqcw-Tbf/w544-h833/medical_braintrust.jpg)
Unfortunately, genomic science is far ahead of the maturity it takes to use its life-saving capabilities effectively. Every gene sequencing report with a pathogenic variant identified that I have seen clearly states in one way or another that other family members may be at risk. Yet, it’s still considered an individual issue, where the sharing of very complex information with other family members is left to the patient, regardless of their ability to do so. Tell me, how does that make sense? How is that ethical?
Nobody should die of a preventable cancer. Nobody!
The cartoon can also be viewed in a larger format at https://markix.net/brain/