Over the past decade, demand for cancer genetic services has continued to grow across Canada. To help improve timely access to genetic testing, the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) has developed educational resources that support alternative models of genetic service delivery, including oncologist-ordered genetic testing, often referred to as "mainstreaming."

Resources are available in both English and French and include:

• Patient education materials that explain hereditary cancer, the benefits and limitations of genetic testing, and possible test results. These materials are complemented by educational videos available through the CAGC YouTube channel and accessible via QR codes.
• A pre-test checklist to support oncology providers who are not genetics specialists in discussing key considerations before ordering genetic testing.
• Patient result letters written in plain language to help explain positive, negative, and inconclusive (variant of uncertain significance) genetic test results.
• A presentation slide deck designed to help genetic counsellors establish a mainstreaming program and educate local healthcare providers about implementation.

All written resources are available at no cost and may be printed in either colour or greyscale.

These resources were developed by the CAGC Mainstreaming Resources Working Group. French-language translation was supported by the CAGC French Language Committee.

Acknowledgement

This project was made possible through financial support from Merck Canada and AstraZeneca Canada. The views and opinions expressed in these materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Merck Canada or AstraZeneca Canada.