Sharing BRCA results: are there disparities?.

Abstract

Abstract Abstract #1101 Background: BRCA is a unique breast cancer biomarker; it defines risk not only for an individual, but also for a family. Little is known about sharing BRCA results with relatives. This study aims to determine which relatives are told of BRCA results and which relatives pursue BRCA testing. This study also explores whether patient and relative characteristics can account for differences in sharing BRCA results and BRCA testing of relatives.
 Methods: As part of the UCSF Cancer Risk Program Cohort, all women who receive genetic counseling and BRCA testing at the UCSF/Mt. Zion Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) and at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) are sent a survey regarding their health habits and their genetic testing experience. Women surveyed are asked: whether they have shared BRCA results; if so, with whom; and whether other family members have pursued BRCA testing. Patient-level variables examined include: cancer status, hospital site, and BRCA results. Relative-level variables examined include: gender and degree of relationship (first- or second-degree).
 Results: Over 80% of women surveyed have responded to date (n = 151). Overall, 95% report sharing BRCA results with at least one relative, and 41% indicate that other relatives have received BRCA testing. Tables 1 and 2 show rates of telling relatives and of BRCA testing in relatives based on patient and relative characteristics. Although the proportion of BRCA carriers is similar at both sites (22% at the CCC and 20% at SFGH), relatives of SFGH patients are significantly less likely to pursue BRCA testing (p=0.001).
 
 
 
 Conclusions: After BRCA testing, women are less likely to share results with male and second-degree relatives. The proportion of BRCA carriers is similar at SFGH and at the CCC. Rates of telling relatives of BRCA results are also similar at both sites. A large and significant disparity exists, however, in BRCA testing of relatives of women from SFGH (8% from SFGH vs. 47% from the CCC, p = 0.001). Future research will examine the reasons for low uptake of BRCA testing in this population, barriers to BRCA testing, and potential interventions. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1101.