Cancer genetics: a model for multifactorial conditions?

: Research in the area of genetic susceptibility and cancer is beginning to challenge traditional socio-ethical and legal norms. In particular, increased personal data protection legislation is severely constraining the ability to maintain or initiate new cancer registries for proper epidemiological purposes. Likewise, the principle and obligation of the confidentiality of genetic information cannot remain sacrosanct in the face of the immediate health needs of biological relatives. Finally, participation in research and even the willingness to be tested and treated is constantly threatened by the uncertainty surrounding insurability. What are the new ethical parameters emerging in research in cancer genetics?