Yasmien De Ly

I support and assist research focused on hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) which affects 5-10% of pediatric cancer patients. To determine if pediatric cancer patients have CPS they need to get genetic testing. In order to make an informed decision about genetic testing, it is important that these families become genetic literate. Genetic literacy encompasses both knowledge about genetics and the ability to apply this knowledge. Genetic literacy can be promoted by educating these families about genetics, the test and the syndromes it can detect, the possible outcomes (carrier/non-carrier/secondary findings/Variants of Unknow Significance =VUS), and the implications of these outcomes.

With our research we aim to develop educational resources to increase the genetic literacy of children, adolescents, young adults (CAYA) and parents who are offered genetic testing for CPS. 
By improving their genetic literacy, we hope to:
-  empower patients and parents to make informed decisions about genetic testing
-  ensure equitable access to genetic testing and genetic counseling 
-  improve patients and parents experience of genetic testing

By developing these educational resources in collaboration with patients and health care providers, we aim to have engaging materials that are easily understandable, accessible and useful. The content and design of these educational resources will be tailored to different age groups (young children, adolescents, young adults and parents) attuned to their cognitive capabilities and age-specific needs.
 

• MD Clinical Psychology
• PEV Psycho-oncology
   

• Lab address: Center for Medical Genetics, Medical Research Building 1, Ghent University Hospital (entrance 34), Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
• Center for Medical Genetics Ghent
• Website Lab Claes
• Yasmien De Ly is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks