VARIATION BELONGS IN THE GENOME, NOT IN HOW THE ONCOLOGY TEAM USES TERMINOLOGY.

Modern science has deciphered the entire human genome and is even learning how to safely edit or alter the genome (e.g., CRISPR gene editing). Genomic applications to health focus on genomic variation and how genomic variants are associated with health and illness. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) strategic vision boldly predicts that the clinical relevance of human genomic variants will be "readily predictable" and has launched a consortium (Impact of Genomic Variation on Function--IGVF) to study how human genomic variation impacts genome function, and how such variation influences health and disease. Despite these advances, the "language" of genomic variation has not been fully and uniformly adopted in cancer care. Using outdated terms such as mutation rather than pathogenic variant can lead to errors because the term mutation can mean benign, uncertain significance, and pathogenic genetic changes which have very different impacts on genomic function and disease risk. As a result, there have been misinterpretations by nurses resulting in unsafe care. The Genomics Advisory Board (GAB) of the Oncology Nursing Society is committed to uniform adoption of the three Cs of genomic terminology for oncology practice: current, correct and consistent. The GAB has developed a Call to Action that will be presented to the ONS Board for formal approval. The intended use of the Call to Action is to promulgate the statement for educative purposes as the oncology nursing profession transitions and fully integrates genomic terminology. The Call to Action addresses frequently used terms and provides correct terminology in an effort to reduce error and promote quality care for all. This document is part of a strategic approach to improve genomic literacy in all oncology nurses. As the genomic evidence base continues to expand influencing not just cancer care but all healthcare, it is not surprising that the terminology has also evolved. For example, because of evidence of confusion, in 2015 the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommended the transition from mutation to variant with the associated five tier classification. Despite the challenge of learning and changing familiar terms, implementation of current terminology is essential to avoid misinterpretation which could result in error decreasing the quality of nursing care provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]