Barriers to the utilization of genetic testing and genetic counseling in patients with suspected hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.

Barriers to the utilization of genetic testing and genetic counseling in patients with suspected hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2019 Jul;32(3):340-344 Authors: Swink A, Nair A, Hoof P, Matthews A, Burden C, Johnson K, Blum JL Abstract A heritable condition is the identified cause of cancer in 5% to 10% of women with breast cancer and in 25% of women with ovarian cancer. It is critical to identify patients at risk for inherited genetic mutations to implement risk-reducing screening and interventions; however, reports in the medical literature indicate that an alarming number of patients with inherited genetic mutations do not receive recommended genetic counseling, testing, or interventions. In order to improve outcomes for these high-risk patients, barriers to genetic testing and counseling must be identified. We analyzed approximately 200 patients seen at our institution with breast or ovarian cancer who met criteria of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network for genetic counseling and testing. Of these patients, almost 70% had appropriate genetic testing and counseling. Review of the remaining 30% revealed that the largest obstacle to receiving genetic testing and/or counseling was lack of referral from the treating oncologist. Of the patients diagnosed with a pathogenic heritable mutation, most underwent appropriate risk-reducing procedures and surveillance. Thus, the initial referral to geneti...
Source: Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Tags: Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) Source Type: research