BACKGROUND: Genetic testing results influence treatment recommendations in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. However, at-risk patients do not uniformly undergo genetic testing. The goal of this study was to identify barriers to genetic testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. METHODS: A prospective database of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients meeting specific criteria over an 18-month period was created and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 532 patients were identified at risk for genetic mutation. Of these 313 (59%) patients completed a genetic counseling appointment and 292 (55%) underwent genetic testing. One hundred seven (24%) were never referred to genetic counselors and 89 (17%) were referred but did not complete an appointment. Patients referred to genetics were younger than the nonreferred patients (50.9 vs 60.6 years, P < .001). The 89 women referred to genetics who did not complete an appointment were surveyed and had varied reasons for not completing an appointment. CONCLUSIONS: The largest barrier to genetic testing was lack of physician referral; therefore, provider education must be improved. Appointments should be convenient and providers should proactively discuss the significant implications of testing results.
BACKGROUND: Genetic testing results influence treatment recommendations in newly diagnosed breast cancerpatients. However, at-risk patients do not uniformly undergo genetic testing. The goal of this study was to identify barriers to genetic testing in newly diagnosed breast cancerpatients. METHODS: A prospective database of newly diagnosed breast cancerpatients meeting specific criteria over an 18-month period was created and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 532 patients were identified at risk for genetic mutation. Of these 313 (59%) patients completed a genetic counseling appointment and 292 (55%) underwent genetic testing. One hundred seven (24%) were never referred to genetic counselors and 89 (17%) were referred but did not complete an appointment. Patients referred to genetics were younger than the nonreferred patients (50.9 vs 60.6 years, P < .001). The 89 women referred to genetics who did not complete an appointment were surveyed and had varied reasons for not completing an appointment. CONCLUSIONS: The largest barrier to genetic testing was lack of physician referral; therefore, provider education must be improved. Appointments should be convenient and providers should proactively discuss the significant implications of testing results.
Authors: Swetha Srinivasan; Heather Hampel; Jennifer Leeman; Amit Patel; Alanna Kulchak Rahm; Daniel S Reuland; Megan C Roberts Journal: Cancer Prev Res (Phila) Date: 2020-07-29
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Authors: Jeanine van der Giessen; Mirjam P Fransen; Peter Spreeuwenberg; Mary Velthuizen; Sandra van Dulmen; Margreet G E M Ausems Journal: J Community Genet Date: 2020-12-15
Authors: J A M van der Giessen; M G E M Ausems; E van Riel; A de Jong; M P Fransen; S van Dulmen Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2020-10-01 Impact factor: 3.603