Study finds many breast cancer survivors eligible for genetic testing are not receiving it, impacting survivorship care.
- A study from the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center found that many breast cancer survivors eligible for genetic counseling and testing are not receiving it, hindering personalized cancer treatment.
- Among those who do get testing, nearly two-thirds with a genetic variant are talking with family members about the results, highlighting the importance of including family members in genetic conversations.
- Clinical guidelines are evolving to include more people eligible for genetic testing, which can help guide treatment decisions, follow-up care, and screening, affecting not only the patient but also their family members.
- The study revealed that testing rates varied among patients, with a higher percentage of those eligible at the time of diagnosis receiving testing compared to those with indications during follow-up care.
- Researchers emphasize the need for improved approaches to genetic risk evaluation and testing during survivorship, aiming to target prevention and early detection strategies for patients and their families to improve overall care.
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Oncology, Genetics, Breast Cancer