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Racial disparities in BRCA testing: Why?

https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/racial-disparities-in-BRCA-testing
Full article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5012689/

Black women receive BRCA testing less frequently than white women. Why is that? Researchers thought the reason might be that black and white women see different health care providers. However, new research suggests that disparities in physician recommendations for testing are the cause: black women with breast cancer were less likely to receive physician recommendations for BRCA testing than white women with breast cancer. There is a need to ensure equity in physician testing recommendations for black women. (7/21/16)

Expert Guidelines

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has guidelines on who should undergo genetic counseling and testing. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should speak with a genetics expert about genetic testing if any of the following apply to you:     

OR 

The American Society of Breast Cancer Surgeons (ASBrS) released guidelines in 2019 that recommend all women diagnosed with breast cancer have access to genetic testing for inherited mutations in breast cancer genes. 

If you are uncertain whether you meet the guidelines above and you are interested in or considering genetic testing, you should speak with a cancer genetics expert

 

Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider

Open Clinical Trials

Below are clinical trials that include genetic counseling and testing.

Other genetic counseling or testing studies may be found here.

 

The following clinical research studies focus on addressing health disparities in cancer. 

About FORCE

FORCE is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1999. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by adult hereditary cancers.