Investigating barriers to genetic counseling and germline mutation testing in women with suspected hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and Lynch syndrome

Genetic predisposition is a risk factor for ovarian and endometrial cancer. It is estimated that 13% of ovarian cancers are caused by germline mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and the mismatch repair genes associated with Lynch syndrome [1]. Approximately 2% of endometrial cancers are associated with hereditary dispositions such as Lynch syndrome [2,3]. It is an imperative to identify women with germline mutations because there are no effective screening tests for ovarian and endometrial cancers and risk-reducing strategies are available for women at high risk [4].
Source: Patient Education and Counseling - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research