Standards of Practice: Applying Genetics and Genomics Resources to Oncology

Cancer is genetic at the cellular level resulting from changes in DNA structure or function. Oncology nurses have long been aware of the intersection of heredity, lifestyle, and environment in their assessments of patients and families. In 2003, completion of the Human Genome Project led to the expansion of genetics and genomics nursing practice and heightened awareness of the interactions between heredity and environment by the healthcare community in general.