Opportunity for Cancer Prevention: 1 in 4 Unaffected Women Meet Hereditary Cancer Testing Criteria [26O

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Estimates show 5-10% of cancer is hereditary. OB/GYNs play an important part in identifying hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS) for women unaffected with cancer; however, the prevalence of HCS in this population is not well studied. This study describes the prevalence of HCS among unaffected female patients as measured by meeting National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria for genetic testing for BRCA-related, Lynch, and/or polyposis syndromes. METHODS: A personalized link was sent to patients prior to their annual OB/GYN visit requesting that they report personal and family cancer history (PFHx) to a digital tool that aligns PFHx to NCCN genetic testing criteria for HCS. Responses were collected between 2/1/18 and 9/1/18; data were then de-identified and analyzed. RESULTS: Of 4226 possible patients, 2334 entered PFHx into the digital tool, 94% (n=2199) of whom were unaffected. 23% (n=506) of unaffected patients met NCCN criteria for HCS genetic testing including 82% for BRCA, 15% for Lynch syndrome, and 3% for polyposis syndromes; 6.5% met criteria for multiple syndromes. An additional 1.3% met criteria due to a reported familial mutation. Unaffected patients who reported PFHx averaged 42 years of age (range: 18 to 83) and 93% reported Caucasian (60%), Asian (16%), African-American (10%), or Ashkenazi Jewish (7%) ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Nearly 1 in 4 unaffected patients presenting for annual OB/GYN visits met NCCN genetic testing criteria for HCS. Many patients may benefit from OB/GYNs employing standardized ways to identify HCS.