Lucienne van der Meer

I have been working with the psychological effects of hereditary conditions for approximately 18 years. As of 2020, I have been working as a Health Psychologist at the Netherlands Cancer Institute's Hereditary Cancer Clinic.

Hereditary cancer in the family may lead to various emotional and psychological effects. If necessary, I can be involved in this process as a psychologist. My patients and I try to find a way through the dilemmas and decisions related to genetic testing, preventive surgeries, or informing children. Some people experience anxiety as a result of their heightened risk of cancer, or because they may pass their hereditary condition on to their children. Some people may worry or feel depressed, and it may cause issues in the family. Everybody experiences cancer and hereditary risk factors differently. I use my knowledge and expertise to try and find ways to deal with difficult situations and reduce potential psychological problems.