Hereditary Breast And Ovarian Cancer Testing Research Articles

Clinical testing with a panel of 25 genes associated with increased cancer risk results in a significant increase in clinically significant findings across a broad range of cancer histories

Genetic testing for inherited cancer risk is now widely used to target individuals for screening and prevention. However, there is limited evidence available to evaluate the clinical utility of various testing strategies, such as single-syndrome, single-cancer, or pan-cancer gene panels. Here we report on the outcomes of testing with a 25-gene pan-cancer panel in a consecutive series of 252,223 individuals between September 2013 and July 2016. The majority of individuals (92.8%) met testing criteria for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and/or Lynch syndrome (LS). Overall, 17,340 PVs were identified in 17,000 (6.7%) of the tested individuals. The PV positive rate was 9.8% among individuals with a personal cancer history, compared to 4.7% in unaffected individuals. PVs were most common in BRCA1/2 (42.2%), other breast cancer (BR) genes (32.9%), and the LS genes (13.2%). Half the PVs identified among individuals who met only HBOC testing criteria were in genes other than BRCA1/2. Similarly, half of PVs identified in individuals who met only LS testing criteria were in non-LS genes. These findings suggest that genetic testing with a pan-cancer panel in this cohort provides improved clinical utility over traditional single-gene or single-syndrome testing.

Ancestry-based differences in hereditary cancer genetic testing.

e13107 Background: Ancestry-based disparities in genetic testing for the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) genes BRCA1/2 have been well documented, but it is unclear whether this extends to other cancer-risk genes. Given reduced costs and broader access to multi-gene panels, we evaluated ancestry-based differences in the utilization and outcomes of HBOC and pan-cancer panel testing. Methods: Individuals who had genetic testing for BRCA1/2only (2006-2016) or with a multi-gene pan-cancer panel (2013-2016) were assessed. Clinical information was obtained from provider-completed test request forms. The most commonly reported ancestries [European (EU), Latin American/Caribbean (LA/C), African (AF), Asian (AS)] were evaluated. Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry were not included in the EU group. Results: The relative utilization of HBOC testing in 2013-2016 increased in AF and LA/C individuals (vs 2006-2013) and was similar to panel testing in all ancestries (Table). The positive mutation rate for panel testing was 6.7%; AF (6.4%), LA/C (6.6%), AS (7.1%), EU (7.1%). The positive rate for HBOC testing from 2006-2013 was 5.7%. Of significance, the HBOC positive rate from 2013-2016 dropped to 4.1% and ancestry-specific positive rates were much lower relative to panel testing (Table). Gene-specific mutation prevalence differed by ancestry, but mutations were identified in a wide range of genes for all ancestries. Possible founder mutations were identified in BRCA1/2 and other genes. Conclusions: In this cohort, broader access to genetic testing has reduced disparities in recent years and panel testing shows improved clinical utility relative to HBOC testing in all ancestries. [Table: see text]

Inherited germline mutations in men with prostate cancer.

e16564 Background: Recent studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of pathogenic variants (PVs) in genes that confer hereditary cancer risk among men with metastatic prostate cancer (PC); however, PC does not currently receive attention as an indication for genetic testing. We assessed the clinical features of men with PC who received clinical testing as well as the distribution of PVs identified. Methods: A commercial laboratory database was queried to identify men with PC who underwent testing with a multi-gene hereditary cancer panel from September 2013–September 2016. Clinical information was obtained from provider-completed test request forms. Individuals with PC only were evaluated separately from those who had ≥1 additional malignancy. Personal/family history was evaluated relative to the 2013 NCCN guidelines for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) testing. Results: Overall, 700 men with a personal history of PC were identified: 384 (54.9%) with only PC and 316 (45.1%) with PC and ≥1 additional malignancy. The most common additional malignancies were colorectal (115) and breast cancer (105). The median age of diagnosis in men with only PC was 57.5, which is younger than tested men who had an additional malignancy (62) and the SEER data (2009-2013) for all men with PC (66). HBOC testing criteria were met by 75.9% of men, including 44 (6.3%) who met based only on a personal/family history of PC and 202 (28.9%) who met in part due to a personal/family history of PC. PVs were identified in 14.0% of all men: 11.5% of men with PC only and 17.1% of men with PC and a second malignancy (see Table). Conclusions: PC patients selected for genetic testing here were younger than men diagnosed with PC from the general population (SEER), and almost half had a diagnosis of an additional malignancy. They also have a high positive mutation rate across a broad spectrum of genes. [Table: see text]

Abstract P3-10-06: Genetic testing for HBOC among women with a personal diagnosis of breast cancer in patients with Medicaid as compared to patients with private insurance

Abstract Introduction: National guidelines recommend that women diagnosed with early-onset breast cancer and/or a strong family history receive BRCA1/2 testing to guide treatment decisions. Among newly diagnosed patients, a positive test result will often prompt more aggressive surgical treatment to minimize the risk of second primary cancers. Currently, coverage for genetic counseling and testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) under the Medicaid expansion program of the Affordable Care Act has varied by state, where some states require a copayment for this service. Similarly, there is no mandate to cover risk-reducing surgery for patients found to carry a genetic mutation despite research showing cost-effectiveness. This analysis sought to determine whether genetic testing for HBOC among patients with breast cancer is different for those with Medicaid compared to those with private insurance. Methods: A commercial laboratory database was analyzed for patients with a personal history of breast cancer who underwent testing with a 25-gene hereditary cancer panel from September 2013-February 2016. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were between ages 18 and 64 at the time of testing and had not undergone previous genetic testing. A total of 17,020 patients with either Medicaid (N=4,313) or one of 5 private payers (N=12,707) were tested during this period. Descriptive statistics, including means for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables, were calculated. Chi-square tests were used to test associations and differences of positive rates between insurance provider category. Two-tailed p-values are reported, and any p-value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: Medicaid patients had a median age of breast cancer diagnosis of 45 compared to 47 for patient with private insurance. Among women with Medicaid insurance, a higher proportion were of African (13.3% vs 6.4%) and Latin American ancestry (16.4% vs 5.3%). The mutation positive rate among patients with Medicaid was 13.0%, which was statistically higher than patients with private insurance (9.5%) (p<0.001). The positive rate was higher among Medicaid patients of all ancestries suggesting that this discrepancy was not due to ancestry difference among the two testing populations. Positive rate by ancestry MedicaidPrivateOverallAfrican80 (13.9%)72 (8.9%)152 (11.0%)Ashkenazi3 (17.6%)20 (15.3%)23 (15.5%)Asian26 (13.3%)40 (7.5%)66 (9.1%)Caucasian201 (12.9%)171 (9.9%)918 (10.4%)Latin American/Caribbean98 (13.8%)65 (9.6%)163 (11.8%)Native American7 (13.7%)9 (7.9%)16 (9.7%)Neareast/Mideast10 (17.9%)8 (9.3%)18 (12.7%)Multiple49 (12.3%)77 (9.0%)126 (10.0%)None Specified85 (11.3%)199 (8.8%)284 (9.4%)Total559 (13.0%)1207 (9.5%)1766 (10.4%) Conclusions: Overall, the positive mutation rate among individuals with Medicaid insurance was higher than those with private insurance, suggesting the testing requirements applied to this population may be more stringent than those applied to the private insurance population. Consistent genetic testing insurance criteria are necessary for all patients to receive care in line with guidelines following a breast cancer diagnosis. Citation Format: Baron P, Johnson-Isidore K, Miller L, Brown K, Kidd J, Saam J, Lancaster J. Genetic testing for HBOC among women with a personal diagnosis of breast cancer in patients with Medicaid as compared to patients with private insurance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-10-06.

Management of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: The Asian experience

BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations are the most common high penetrant genes associated with an increased lifetime risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Although genetic testing is standard of care in Western developed countries, there are still variations in availability of genetic testing and risk assessment for HBOC in Asia. Depending on the countries, there are variations in the clinical strategies and cancer management. The Asian BRCA Consortium has grouped together 14 Asian countries and reviewed genetic counselling/testing uptake rates and clinical management options in these countries. Moreover economic factors, healthcare and legal frameworks, and cultural issues affecting the genetic service availability in Asia were discussed. Mutation spectrum, and VUS rates and the increase use of NGS gene panel testing poses more decisional issues in the clinical management of Hereditary Breast cancer in Asia. These will be discussed. Keywords : BRCA1/BRCA2 , germline, HBOC, Asia BRCA Consortium, NGS

Tracking the dissemination of a culturally targeted brochure to promote awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer among Black women

ObjectiveBlack women have a higher rate of BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA) mutations, compared with other populations, that increases their risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). However, Black women are less likely to know about HBOC and genetic testing. Based on a request from a community advisory panel of breast cancer survivors, community leaders and healthcare providers in the Black community, our team developed a culturally targeted educational brochure to promote awareness of HBOC among Black women. MethodsTo reach the target population we utilized a passive dissemination strategy. Using Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) as a framework, we traced dissemination of the brochure over a five year period using self-addressed postcards contained inside the brochure that included several open-ended questions about the utility of the brochure, and a field for written comments. Closed-ended responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis was conducted on the open-ended responses. ResultsDOI captured the proliferation of the brochure among Black women across the US. Practice implicationsThe use of passive dissemination strategies among pre-existing social networks proved to be a useful and sustainable method for increasing knowledge of HBOC among Black women.

Evolution of Hereditary Breast Cancer Genetic Services: Are Changes Reflected in the Knowledge and Clinical Practices of Florida Providers?

We describe practitioner knowledge and practices related to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) in an evolving landscape of genetic testing. A survey was mailed in late 2013 to Florida providers who order HBOC testing. Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize participants' responses. Of 101 respondents, 66% indicated either no genetics education or education through a commercial laboratory. Although 79% of respondents were aware of the Supreme Court ruling resulting in the loss of Myriad Genetics' BRCA gene patent, only 19% had ordered testing from a different laboratory. With regard to pretest counseling, 78% of respondents indicated they usually discuss 11 of 14 nationally recommended elements for informed consent. Pretest discussion times varied from 3 to 120 min, with approximately half spending <20 min. Elements not routinely covered by >40% of respondents included (1) possibility of a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) and (2) issues related to life/disability insurance. With regard to genetic testing for HBOC, 88% would test an unaffected sister of a breast cancer patient identified with a BRCA VUS. Results highlight the need to identify whether variability in hereditary cancer service delivery impacts patient outcomes. Findings also reveal opportunities to facilitate ongoing outreach and education.

Patients Tested at a Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes Show an Overlap for Multiple Syndromes in Their Personal and Familial Cancer Histories

Objective: Hereditary cancer testing guidelines are based on the premise that the common hereditary cancer syndromes have distinct, recognizable phenotypes. However, many syndromes present with overlapping cancers. The aim of this analysis was to identify the proportion of patients tested for Lynch syndrome (LS) or hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) who met testing criteria for the other syndrome. Method: We analyzed a commercial laboratory database of patients tested for LS and HBOC in a clinical setting from 2006 to 2013. Patient cancer histories were analyzed using the 2012 NCCN criteria for LS and the 2013 NCCN criteria for HBOC. Results: In all, 7% of the patients tested for HBOC met criteria for LS testing. The majority of these patients had a family history of colorectal (30.9%) and/or endometrial cancer (22.7%). Conversely, 29.5% of the patients tested for LS met criteria for HBOC testing. In this group, 30.5% of the patients had a personal history of breast cancer, and 12.6% had a personal history of ovarian cancer. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate a substantial phenotypic overlap among patients for multiple common inherited cancer syndromes, which likely complicates diagnosis and test selection. This supports the value of multigene panels to identify pathogenic mutations in the absence of a clinically specific phenotype.

Abstract P4-12-01: Characterizing the clinical presentation of individuals with pathogenic variants in a breast/ovarian cancer gene panel

Abstract Background: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) is a common indication for referral to cancer genetic counselors. Next generation sequencing panels allow for the efficient evaluation of many genes associated with increased risk of these cancers. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical histories of those with pathogenic variants in high risk versus low/moderate risk genes in order to determine which patients might benefit from more extensive testing by a panel approach. Methods: We queried the results of patients tested at GeneDx for a panel of 21 genes causing increased breast and/or ovarian cancer risk. Data regarding personal and family history of cancer provided on the test requisition forms were analyzed and classified according NCCN guidelines for testing criteria for HBOC syndrome. Results: Of 1709 individuals referred for testing, 146 (8.5%) tested positive for a pathogenic variant. Of these, 33% percent were found to carry a pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant while 67% tested positive for a pathogenic variant in a gene other than BRCA1/2 (CHEK2: 17%; ATM: 12%; PALB2: 10%; BRIP1: 7%; BARD1: 3%; PTEN: 3%; each of FANCC, MSH2, MSH6, NBN, PMS2, RAD51C, RAD51D: 2%; MLH1: 1%). Eighty-six percent of these individuals were affected with cancer. In the probands with a pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant, 66% were diagnosed with breast cancer and 22% with ovarian cancer compared to the probands with a pathogenic variant in a gene other than BRCA1/2 of whom 84% had a history of breast cancer and 17% had ovarian cancer. The highest number of breast cancer diagnoses were found, in decreasing order, in association with pathogenic variants in BRCA1 (20), CHEK2 (20), ATM (17), PALB2 (14), BRCA2 (13), and BRIP1 (12). The greatest number of ovarian cancers were identified, in decreasing order, in association with pathogenic variants in BRCA2 (8), BRCA1 (3), CHEK2 (3), and ATM (3). Furthermore, all of the individuals with pathogenic variants met NCCN guidelines for HBOC. Conclusion: A high yield of pathogenic variants were found in genes other than BRCA1/2. Data analysis also shows that individuals with a pathogenic variant in genes other than BRCA1/2 did not have a notably less severe clinical history than those pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2. As all individuals tested meet NCCN guidelines for HBOC testing, panel testing should be considered in this population. Citation Format: Erica Vaccari, Lauren Yackowski, Melanie Hussong, Patricia Murphy, Maria L Cremona, Jessica Booker, Kathleen Hruska. Characterizing the clinical presentation of individuals with pathogenic variants in a breast/ovarian cancer gene panel [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-12-01.

Factors associated with genetic counseling and BRCA testing in a population-based sample of young Black women with breast cancer.

Concerns about the potential for genomic advances to increase health disparities have been raised. Thus, it is important to assess referral and uptake of genetic counseling (GC) and testing in minority populations at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Black women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer ≤age 50 in 2009-2012 were recruited through the Florida State Cancer Registry 6-18months following diagnosis and completed a baseline questionnaire. Summary statistics, Chi-square tests, and path modeling were conducted to examine which demographic and clinical variables were associated with referral and access to genetic services. Of the 440 participants, all met national criteria for GC, yet only 224 (51%) were referred for or received GC and/or HBOC testing. Variables most strongly associated with healthcare provider referral for GC included having a college education (OR 2.1), diagnosis at or below age 45 (OR 2.0), and triple negative tumor receptor status (OR 1.7). The strongest association with receipt of GC and/or HBOC testing was healthcare provider referral (OR 7.9), followed by private health insurance at diagnosis (OR 2.8), and household income greater than $35,000 in the year prior to diagnosis (OR 2.0). Study findings suggest efforts are needed to improve genetic services access among a population-based sample of high-risk Black women. These results indicate that socioeconomic factors and physician referral patterns contribute to disparities in access to genetic services within this underserved minority population.

Genetic counseling for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer among Puerto Rican women living in the United States.

Little is known about barriers to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) genetic counseling among Puerto Rican women. This study reviews existing literature to identify individual, interpersonal, and systems level factors that may impact the use of HBOC genetic services among Puerto Rican women living in the United States. A systematic search of articles published between the years 1995-2014 was performed in PubMed and ISI Web of Science. Additionally, the bibliography of relevant articles was reviewed for additional potential articles. Individual level barriers most frequently identified included: a lack of knowledge or awareness about HBOC or genetic counseling and testing, and facilitators included high levels of interest in genetic counseling/genetic testing. Interpersonal level barriers included worry about knowing a family member's risk, and conversely, a facilitator was the ability to help family members. Systems level barriers included concerns about the cost, having competing life demands, whereas facilitators included holding private insurance. Puerto Rican women are a unique ethnic minority group with specific perceptions, beliefs and levels of education about genetic counseling and testing for HBOC. Addressing individual, interpersonal and systems level factors unique to this group may improve knowledge and awareness. Policy and structural changes may be needed to improve system level barriers.

Incidence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 non-founder mutations in patients of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.

An estimated 1:40 individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) ancestry carry one of three common founder mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, resulting in the inherited cancer condition, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome. Targeted testing for these three mutations (BRCA1 187delAG, BRCA1 5385insC, and BRCA2 6174delT) is therefore recommended for all AJ breast and ovarian cancer patients, regardless of age of diagnosis or family history. Comprehensive analysis of both genes is recommended for a subset of AJ patients in whom founder mutations are not identified, but estimates of the yield from comprehensive analysis in this population vary widely. We sought to determine the proportion of non-founder mutations as a percentage of all mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 among AJ patients to inform decisions about HBOC testing strategies in this population. We analyzed the genetic testing results for 37,952 AJ patients for whom clinical testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 was performed at Myriad Genetic Laboratories from January 2006 through August 2013. Analysis was limited to AJ-only patients for whom the initial test order was either (1) comprehensive testing, or (2) founder mutation testing with instructions to automatically "reflex" to comprehensive analysis if negative. Cases were excluded if a separate follow-up order was placed to reflex to comprehensive analysis only after the founder mutation testing was reported out as negative. Among all BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations detected in these groups, the percentage of non-founder mutations was 13 % (104/802) and 7.2 % (198/2,769). One-hundred and eighty-nine unique non-founder mutations were detected, 76 in BRCA1 and 113 in BRCA2. Non-founder mutations make up between 7.2 and 13.0 % of all BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Ashkenazi Jews. A wide range of mutations are present, most of which are also seen in non-AJ individuals.

BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence among triple-negative breast cancer patients from a large commercial testing cohort.

1544 Background: BRCA1/2 deleterious mutation identification among triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients has gained importance due to cancer-risk management implications for patients and their relatives, and also has an emerging role in guiding treatment selection for therapies such as PARP inhibitors. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) currently recommends BRCA1/2 testing for TNBC patients diagnosed at age &lt;60. Mutation prevalence among TNBC patients has previously been studied only in small regionalized cohorts. A recent study in unselected patients using the updated definitive criteria for TNBC reported mutation prevalence as 10.6%. Methods: Following the 2011 NCCN Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Testing Criteria update, serial cohorts of &gt; 5,000 Ashkenazi Jewish and &gt; 65,000 non-Ashkenazi Jewish breast cancer patients undergoing commercial BRCA1/2 testing were analyzed. Age at diagnosis, ethnicity, and provider-reported TN status were obtained from test requisition forms completed by ordering providers, and correlated with test results. Neither the accuracy nor definitive criteria used for TN status reported was independently verified. Results: Incidence of TNBC was reported as 9.7% among non-Ashkenazi patients and 16.5% within the subset with African ancestry. Incidence of TNBC was reported as 4.5% among Ashkenazi patients, but this is likely affected by test ordering for this population. The Table displays the BRCA1/2mutation rates classified by ethnicity and age-group. Conclusions: This study provides the most robust estimate to date of BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence among TNBC patients of all ages. The mutation rates seen among TNBC patients diagnosed after age 60 also illustrate the importance of testing such patients who may not meet the current NCCN HBOC testing criteria. [Table: see text]

Genetic Risk Assessments in Individuals at High Risk for Inherited Breast Cancer in the Breast Oncology Care Setting

It has become increasingly common to consider BRCA mutation status when determining optimal cancer risk management and treatment options in order to improve patient outcomes. Knowledge about the risk for hereditary cancer at or as close as possible to the time of diagnosis allows patients access to the most risk reduction options available. This paper illustrates the role of genetic risk assessment for hereditary breast cancer, using hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome as a model due to germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2. Specifically, the value of genetic counseling and testing for HBOC across the cancer prevention and control continuum is outlined as it pertains to breast cancer. In recognition of the importance of risk assessment for hereditary breast cancer, leading health professional organizations have developed specific guidelines and recommendations to providers for identification of women at increased risk for carrying a BRCA mutation. Institutional efforts specific to genetic counseling and testing have resulted in the implementation of a model driven by physician recommendation as a referral system for high-risk breast cancer patients. Establishing an infrastructure to support research, education, and outreach initiatives focused on BRCA genetic counseling and testing will provide information that can improve the delivery of cancer genetics services.

PTEN germline mutations in patients first tested for other hereditary cancer syndromes: Would use of risk assessment tools have reduced health care costs?

1516 Background: PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS) includes patients with Cowden (CS) or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS) with germline PTEN mutation. Breast, colon, endometrial cancer and GI polyposis are associated, creating overlap with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC), Lynch (LS) and adenomatous polyposis syndromes (APS). We reviewed our PHTS patient series to find how often testing criteria for these syndromes were met or testing was pursued before PTEN. Methods: Patients were prospectively recruited by relaxed International Cowden Consortium criteria or presence of known germline PTEN mutation; mutations were identified by mutation scanning or MLPA analysis and confirmed by sequencing or quantitative PCR, respectively. Families were excluded if diagnosed with CS or BRRS before 1998, family history was unavailable, or proband was &lt;18 yrs. Pedigree, genetic testing reports, and medical records were reviewed to determine if patients met HBOC testing criteria, Amsterdam II or Bethesda 2004 criteria, or had adenomatous polyps. Risk assessment was conducted for BRCA1/2 via the BRCAPRO, Myriad II, and Penn II models; for MLH1/MSH2/MSH6 via the PREMM1,2,6 and MMRPro models; and for PTEN via the Cleveland Clinic (CC) PTEN Risk Calculator. Results: 115 PTEN mutation-positive adult probands were identified among 3,405 patients. 53 (46.1%) met testing criteria for HBOC or LS and 34 (29.6%) underwent previous testing for HBOC, LS or APS. Average risk for BRCA1/2 and MLH1/MSH2/MSH6 mutations in tested patients were 7.5-16.9% and 33.1-41.4%, respectively; whereas PTEN mutation risks were 35.9% and 79.7%. No patient tested for APS (average PTEN mutation risk 73%) had &gt;5 adenomas. An estimated $89,700 was spent on negative analyses for HBOC, LS and APS among patients ultimately found to have germline PTEN mutations. Conclusions: PHTS should be part of the differential diagnosis for patients referred for question of HBOC, LS or APS. Pathology review is key for patients with polyposis. Using the CC PTEN risk calculator enables clinicians to understand when PTEN mutation risk is high, allowing testing to proceed in a step-wise and cost-saving manner.

Psychometric Testing of the Decisional Conflict Scale

BACKGROUND : Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome is attributed mostly to mutations in the Breast Cancer 1 and Breast Cancer 2 genes (BRCA1/2). Mutation carriers of BRCA1/2 genes have significantly higher risk for developing breast cancer compared with the general population (55%-85% vs. 12%) and for developing ovarian cancer (20%-60% vs. 1.5%). The availability of genetic testing enables mutation carriers to make informed decisions about managing their cancer risk (e.g., risk-reducing surgery). However, uptake of testing for HBOC among high-risk individuals is low, indicating the need to better understand and measure the decisional conflict associated with this process. OBJECTIVE : The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the modified Decisional Conflict Scale for use in decisions associated with genetic testing for HBOC. METHODS : This cross-sectional cohort study, recruited women who pursued genetic testing for HBOC in two genetic risk assessment clinics affiliated with a large comprehensive cancer center and one of their female relatives who did not pursue testing. The final sample consisted of 342 women who completed all 16 items of the Decisional Conflict Scale. The psychometric properties of the scale were assessed using tests of reliability and validity, including face, content, construct, contrast, convergent, divergent, and predictive validity. RESULTS : Factor analysis using principal axis factoring with oblimin rotation elicited a three-factor structure: (a) Lack of Knowledge About the Decision (α = .97), (b) Lack of Autonomy in Decision Making (α = .94), and (c) Lack of Confidence in Decision Making (α = .87). These factors explained 82% of the variance in decisional conflict about genetic testing. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .96. DISCUSSION : The instrument is an important tool for researchers and healthcare providers working with women at risk for HBOC who are deciding whether genetic testing is the right choice for them.

Influence of Race/Ethnicity on Genetic Counseling and Testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Risk assessment coupled with genetic counseling and testing for the cancer predisposition genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) has become an integral element of comprehensive patient evaluation and cancer risk management in the United States for individuals meeting high-risk criteria for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). For mutation carriers, several options for risk modification have achieved substantial reductions in future cancer risk. However, several recent studies have shown lower rates of BRCA1/2 counseling and testing among minority populations. Here, we explore the role of race/ethnicity in cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling and genetic testing for HBOC and the BRCA1/2 cancer predisposition genes. Barriers to genetic services related to race/ethnicity and underserved populations, including socioeconomic barriers (e.g., time, access, geographic, language/cultural, awareness, cost) and psychosocial barriers (e.g., medical mistrust, perceived disadvantages to genetic services), as well as additional barriers to care once mutation carriers are identified, will be reviewed.

Risk Assessment and Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Recommendations of the National Society of Genetic Counselors

These cancer genetic counseling recommendations describe the medical, psychosocial and ethical implications of identifying at-risk individuals for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) through cancer risk assessment, with or without genetic susceptibility testing. They were developed by members of the Practice Issues Subcommittee of the National Society of Genetic Counselors' Familial Cancer Risk Counseling Special Interest Group. The information contained in this document is derived from extensive review of the current literature on cancer genetic risk assessment as well as the professional expertise of genetic counselors with significant experience in education and counseling regarding hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Critical components of the process include the ascertainment of medical and family histories, determination and communication of cancer risk, assessment of risk perception, education regarding the genetics of HBOC, discussion of molecular testing for HBOC if appropriate (including benefits, risks and limitations) and any necessary follow-up. These recommendations do not dictate an exclusive course of management or guarantee a specific outcome. Moreover, they do not replace the professional judgment of a health care provider based on the clinical situation of a client.

Concerns of Young Women Who are Positive for Brca1 and/or Brca2

The purpose of the study was to examine the experience of predictive genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and to compare experiences of younger women (≤ 35 years old) to the older study cohort (36–60 years old). Grounded theory was used to examine the phenomenon of adults choosing to have predictive genetic testing for HBOC. A sample of 19 women, ten ≤ 35 years old was recruited through community and internet support group announcements. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in-person, by telephone or E-mail: according to participant preference. Young women’s experiences were different particularly around concerns about: (i) career plans, (ii) reproduction, and (iii) intimate relationships. Other concerns not specific to young women but also described included: (i) family relationships, (ii) fears of personal mortality, (iii) life and health insurance, and (iv) health information needs. A commonly voiced experience specific to the young adult age group was feeling ‘out-of-place’ in the oncology clinics and support groups which participants perceived as being focused on concerns of older women. Further study may clarify the extent and nature of informational, emotional, social and decision support needs that are unique to this young adult population.