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Review
. 2019 Apr;153(1):184-191.
doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.01.024. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Disparities in gynecologic cancer genetics evaluation

Emily M Hinchcliff  1 , Erica M Bednar  2 , Karen H Lu  1 , J Alejandro Rauh-Hain  3
Affiliations
Review

Disparities in gynecologic cancer genetics evaluation

Emily M Hinchcliff et al. Gynecol Oncol. 2019 Apr.

Abstract

An estimated 2-5% of endometrial cancers and 15-20% of high-grade, non-mucinous epithelial ovarian cancers have an underlying hereditary cause. Appropriate risk assessment, genetic counseling, and germline genetic testing for cancer predisposition genes in both gynecologic cancer patients and their at-risk relatives is essential for effective delivery of tailored cancer treatment and cancer prevention. However, significant disparities exist within medically underserved and minority populations in the United States regarding awareness of, access to, and use of genetic services. The objectives of this review are to summarize the literature on genetic counseling and genetic testing of gynecologic cancer patients, the cascade genetic testing of their families following the identification of a germline mutation associated with susceptibility to cancer, to highlight disparities between populations, and to present some potential remedies.

Keywords: BRCA; Disparities; Genetic; Genetic evaluation; Lynch syndrome.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure of Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

References

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