Ethical issues in genetic testing. The experiences of one family diagnosed with an inherited cancer syndrome.

This article describes selected ethical issues faced by members of a family with genetic predisposition to the cancer syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a. The bioethical principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice are the moral guides for nurses and other health professionals, who may apply them to help patients, family members and peers resolve ethical issues and moral dilemmas. Sometimes, however, issues that are morally problematic cannot be settled by simply referring to standards of practice and bioethical norms. In these cases all stakeholders must struggle together to resolve the conflict.