Regional Collaboration for Comprehensive HBOC Care
摘要
The number of BRCA1/2 carriers in Japan is expected to increase, and there is an urgent need to respond to the rapid advances in genetic medicine. However, there is a shortage of Japanese Organization of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (JOHBOC)-certified facilities and limited availability of physicians, nurses, and certified genetic counselors offering genetic medicine. It is, therefore, essential to optimize the use of current resources and to train the personnel who will provide genetic medicine in the future. JOHBOC-certified facilities are located in urban areas in the Tohoku region, while some areas lack such certified facilities. The Tohoku region is strengthening cooperation between prefectures and utilizing existing resources in genetic medicine, taking into account factors such as long distances between cities and inadequate public transport. In addition, some facilities in various areas offer telemedicine services that eliminate the need for patients to physically visit a hospital. However, some medical professionals perceive genetic medicine as a psychological and physical burden, which requires the implementation of a comprehensive education system and the expansion of genetic medicine to ensure universal participation. Efforts should be made to achieve parity in the provision of appropriate healthcare systems for BRCA1/2 carriers, to ensure that they can live in a society where they have equal peace of mind.