Breast Cancer Diagnosis Does Not Always Trigger Discussion About Genetic Testing

Minority patients with breast cancer were more likely to want genetic testing but not to have discussed it with a clinician.

In women with BRCA mutations, prophylactic oophorectomy soon after breast cancer diagnosis may improve survival. But are women receiving the information they need to decide about genetic testing? A total of 1536 urban women (42% white, 39% Latina, 17% black, 2% other) aged 20 to 79 with stage 0 to III breast cancer completed surveys 9 months after diagnosis and again 4 years later. Respondents indicated if they desired genetic testing, whether they had discussed such testing with a healthcare professional, and whether they had been tested for BRCA mutations.

Overall, 35% of participants strongly desired genetic testing, 28% had discussed it with a clinician, and 19% had been tested. Higher-risk women (e.g., younger at diagnosis, family histo…

Reviewing Author

Diane E. Judge, APN/CNP

Disclosures

EquityStryker Corporation

Diane E. Judge, APN/CNP

Disclosures

EquityStryker Corporation

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Does Not Always Trigger Discussion About Genetic Testing

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Reviewing Author