Trends in BRCA testing and socioeconomic deprivation

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Public Health
• Oncology

Background:

• BRCA testing gained public attention following Angelina Jolie's 2013 editorial and updated NICE clinical guidance (CG164).
• Understanding the impact of these events on testing uptake and socioeconomic disparities is crucial for equitable healthcare access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of concurrent public events on BRCA testing rates in a UK catchment area.
• To analyze the relationship between BRCA testing uptake and socioeconomic deprivation.

Main Methods:

• A database of 1393 patients who underwent BRCA testing between April 2010 and March 2017 was compiled.
• Segmented regression analysis was used to estimate changes in testing rates.
• Socioeconomic deprivation status of patients was examined to assess testing distribution.

Main Results:

• BRCA testing increased 11-fold overall during the study period.
• An 84% increase in BRCA1/2 testing was observed in the month following the publications (P=0.006).
• While testing disparities between socioeconomic groups were not significant pre-publication, they became statistically significant post-publication (P=0.0002).

Conclusions:

• Public awareness campaigns and updated clinical guidelines can significantly boost BRCA testing uptake.
• The study highlights a statistically significant increase in BRCA testing following major public events.
• Further research is needed to address and adjust for socioeconomic disparities in BRCA testing access.