Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research 2008, 27:75 http://www.jeccr.com/content/27/1/75 It can be hypothesised that the lack of emotional cohesion or structured roles and rules within the family system, seen in this sample, could have a negative influence on the decision to continue with genetic counselling. Conclusion This study showed the importance to take into considera- tion, during the process of genetic counselling, not only the single variables but also the whole picture gathered from the cognitive and emotional aspects from both the individual and family spheres, in order to assure adequate care of the patient. Moreover, given the evidence in this sample of a lack of knowledge regarding preventive meas- ures for consultants or their family, it appears necessary to provide information highlighting usefulness of early diag- nosis, and information regarding how the process of genetic counselling can be helpful for this purpose. With the aim of verifying the effective importance of each variable in the decision to discontinue genetic counsel- ling, a comparison between subjects who decline or those who wish to continue genetic counselling will be carried out in a further study. Competing interests The authors' declare there no financial competing inter- ests (political, personal, religious, ideological, academic, intellectual, commercial or any other) with the study. Authors' contributions AC main author project of the study and interpretation of the data, CV patient's data collection, data analysis and interpretation of the data, GM patient's data collection, FS patient's data collection, FC study coordinator, AS project of the study and study coordinator. Acknowledgements We would like to thank the patients who participated in this study and the following collaborators: Bruna Marozzo, Laura Bongiorno and Maria Luigia Grillo. Partially sup- ported by Italian Health Ministry and Lega Italiana Tumori. 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