PRACTICE ALERT PODCAST

DTC test for BRCA mutations: What to tell patients who inquire

J Fam Pract. 2018 September;67(9):audio
By
Doug Campos-Outcalt, MD, MPA
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In this month’s audiocast. Dr. Campos-Outcalt addresses 5 questions that patients may ask about 23andMe, the recently approved direct-to-consumer test for 3 BRCA1/BRCA2 breast cancer gene mutations. (The test analyzes DNA from self-collected saliva samples and reports on whether a woman is at increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.) Dr. Campos-Outcalt provides suggestions in the event that patients ask questions like: Should I be tested? What if the results are negative? And, what if the results are positive?

 

Resources

US Food & Drug Administration. FDA authorizes, with special controls, direct-to-consumer test that reports three mutations in the BRCA breast cancer genes. March 6, 2018. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm599560.htm. Accessed August 8, 2018.

US Preventive Services Task Force. Final recommendation statement: BRCA-related cancer: risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing. Available at:
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/brca-related-cancer-risk-assessment-genetic-counseling-and-genetic-testing. Accessed August 8, 2018.

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