domingo, 30 de octubre de 2016

Barriers to genetic testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients: do surgeons limit testing? - PubMed - NCBI

2016 Sep 9. pii: S0002-9610(16)30509-8. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.08.012. [Epub ahead of print]

Barriers to genetic testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients: do surgeons limit testing?

Hafertepen L1, Pastorino A2, Morman N2, Snow J2, Halaharvi D2, Byrne L2, Cripe M2.

Author information

Abstract

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.