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Genetic testing for breast cancer: where are health care providers in the decision process?
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Purpose:
To identify BRCA1/2 knowledge, genetic testing intentions, and communication patterns in breast cancer survivors (survivors).
Methods:
A population-based survey was conducted of 276 female survivors diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 49 and living 5 to 10 years postdiagnosis.
Results:
Of the 79% who responded, 8% spoke with health care providers and 53% spoke with relatives about testing. Few (26%) correctly answered over half the BRCA knowledge questions. Intention to obtain testing varied (26-67%), depending on insurance coverage.
Conclusion:
Health care providers and survivors seldom discuss BRCA testing. Providing information to survivors would increase their ability to make informed testing decisions.