Disparities in Genetic Management of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Patients
Susan Duyar-Ayerdi, Rebekah M. Summey, Denise UyarImportance
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is most often caused by pathogenic variants in the
Objective
This review details the multiple layers of disparities in genomic knowledge, testing referral, completion, and posttesting risk reduction for at-risk populations.
Evidence Acquisition
A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted in September 2023 for studies addressing disparities at all points of HBOC risk assessment and risk reduction.
Results
Disparities in genomic knowledge, referral and testing, and in cancer risk reduction exist by race, ethnicity, insurance status, socioeconomic status, age, and care setting in the United States. Many mitigation strategies have been explored with some success.
Conclusion
Each component contributes to a “leaky pipe” in
Relevance
This review provides clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of disparities in the identification and management of individuals at risk for or diagnosed with HBOC and strategies to reduce disparities in their own practice.
Target Audience
Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.
Learning Objectives
After participating in this activity, the learners should be better able to discuss disparities in the testing for and risk-reducing management of patients with pathogenic variants of