Screening for Individuals at Risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: A Statewide Initiative, Georgia,
Julia K Veitinger1, Alice S Kerber1, Sheryl G A Gabram-Mendola1
1Julia K. Veitinger is with the Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Alice S. Kerber, Sheryl G. A. Gabram-Mendola, Lynn M. Durham, and Cindy Snyder are with the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education, Atlanta. Yuan Liu is with the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health & Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University. Diane Durrence, Alissa K. Berzen, and Janet Y. Shin are with the Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta. Cecelia A. Bellcross is with the Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta. Yue Guan is with Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University.
Georgia
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Genetics
- Cancer Prevention
Background:
- Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) disproportionately affects minority populations.
- Access to genetic services remains a challenge for many racial/ethnic minority groups.
- Family history screening is a key component in identifying individuals at high risk for HBOC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a statewide family history screening program for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in Georgia.
- To assess the uptake of genetic consultation and testing among individuals identified as high-risk.
- To examine disparities in genetic service access among different racial/ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- A statewide family history screening program for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer was implemented in Georgia from November 2012 to December 2020.
- 29,090 individuals were screened, with a significant proportion identifying as racial/ethnic minorities (57.3%).
- Uptake of genetic consultation and testing was analyzed for high-risk individuals.
Main Results:
- Of those screened, 4% (1172) were identified as high-risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
- Over half of high-risk individuals pursued genetic consultation (67.7%) and testing (70.6%).
- Black and Hispanic women demonstrated higher genetic consultation uptake rates compared to White women.
Conclusions:
- Public health settings are effective in reaching racial minorities for hereditary cancer risk assessment.
- The Georgia program shows promise in addressing disparities in genetic service access.
- Targeted public health interventions can improve genetic service utilization among underserved populations.
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