When Work, Family And Friendship Collide

Mandi’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and was referred to our Familial Cancer Program. The young age of diagnosis, characteristics of the cancer and family history suggested genetic testing and Helen was the genetic counselor involved throughout the testing process. In relaying this personal and professional story we have tried to describe the issues we faced and how we negotiated some of the difficulties when the boundaries between our many roles of family member, friends, colleagues and professionals became blurred.