Program for Genetic Monitoring of Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families

Limiting the success of breast cancer surgery in Bulgaria, sometimes diagnosis is very late. Genetic markers for breast cancer are not well known to the surgeons and they are not available for practical use. Appropriate psychological support is not available in every case, because the psychologists are not well informed about clinical and genetic aspects of the illness. There have been limited investigations of familial breast cancer in Bulgaria by the Department of Medical Genetics in Sofia, the National Oncological Center and the Clinic for Thoracic Surgery. There are observations concerning the clonality and chromosomal abnormalities in breast cancer. The Institute of Genetics, BAS, has introduced a model system for screening of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. However, many surgical clinics in the country are not included in the program for familial breast cancer. We have proposed a National Genetic Program for familial breast cancer, which will help the introduction of genetic markers for breast cancer, genetic counselling of the ill person and their family as well as psychological and social support. Abstract