Study identifies gaps in clinical genetic counseling services for women undergoing BRCA genetic testing
Tampa, FL (Oct. 1, 2015) – A University of South Florida-led research collaboration with Aetna, the American Cancer Society and the national non-profit Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) today published results from a national study identifying factors and outcomes associated with the use of genetic counseling and testing services for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in the community setting. The work is reported today in the Journal of the American Medical Association – Oncology and indicates a significant opportunity to increase genetic counseling in community care.
The investigative team for the ABOUT Study (American BRCA Outcomes and Utilization of Testing Study), led by principal investigator Rebecca Sutphen, MD, professor of genetics at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, analyzed data from a consecutive series of women whose health care providers requested BRCA testing through the national health insurer, Aetna, over a one-year period.
Rebecca Sutphen, MD, professor of genetics at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, was principal investigator of the study conducted with Aetna, the American Cancer Society and the national non-profit Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE).
The guidelines of multiple medical professional societies and health authorities indicate that genetic counseling should precede a decision to undergo BRCA testing. Despite this guidance, only 36.8 percent of the 3,874 female participants in this study reported receiving genetic counseling from a genetics clinician before BRCA genetic testing. Importantly, those who received this service demonstrated greater knowledge about BRCA, including risk factors and treatment options. They also expressed greater understanding of and satisfaction with the information they received prior to testing. The proportion of women receiving the service varied significantly based on the specialty of the provider ordering the test, with the lowest rates among Obstetrician/Gynecologists (12.3 percent).
“The ABOUT Study offers a rare opportunity to study the self-reported experiences of women undergoing testing in the community setting where most people receive their care. Although we found that most women did not receive genetic counseling by a genetics professional, this is a gap in services that can be addressed,” Sutphen said.
Genetic counseling to support BRCA testing is a preventive service that is covered with no out-of-pocket costs for most women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
“Comprehensive genetic counseling about BRCA mutation testing is important for individuals to understand their cancer risk. The information obtained from genetic counseling empowers individuals as well as current and future generations of their families to make informed decisions about screening, risk reduction, and treatment options,” said Joanne Armstrong, MD, senior medical director and head of Women’s Health for Aetna.
The ABOUT Study was supported by funding from the Aetna Foundation, as well as in-kind support from the American Cancer Society, FORCE and Aetna.
Article Citation:
Armstrong J, Toscano M, Kotchko N, Friedman S, Schwartz MD, Virgo KS, Lynch K, Andrews JE, Aguado Loi CX, Bauer JE, Casares C, Bourquardez Clark E, Kondoff MR, Molina AD, Abdollahian M, Walker G, Sutphen R: Utilization and Outcomes of BRCA Genetic Testing and Counseling in a National Commercially Insured Population: The ABOUT Study. JAMA Oncology, Oct. 1, 2015.
About USF Health
USF Health’s mission is to envision and implement the future of health. It is the partnership of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, and the USF Physician’s Group. The University of South Florida is a Top 50 research university in total research expenditures among both public and private institutions nationwide, according to the National Science Foundation. For more information, visit www.health.usf.edu
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving an estimated 46.7 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers’ compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com and learn about how Aetna is helping to build a healthier world. @AetnaNews
Media contacts:
Anne DeLotto Baier, USF Health Communications, abaier@health.usf.edu or 813-974-3303
Kathy (Betty) Skipper, AETNA Corporate Communications, SkipperB@aetna.com or 404-702-3442
