Abstract 888
Background
Multiple national1 and international2 guidelines recommend that genetic testing is provided by genetic experts in the context of genetic counselling. However, there has been little research performed assessing the utility of genetic counselling. This study was performed to determine the value of genetic counselling for individuals undergoing breast cancer genetic testing.
Methods
GeneHealth UK clinical records for patients seen between the 1st January 2018 and 30th June 2018 for breast cancer were reviewed to determine what was discussed during the consultations. Data was collated in four categories: a) appropriateness of genetic testing, b) psychological support, c) implications for relatives d) management guidance.
Results
Of a total of 130 patients, 74% (96) had breast cancer, and 26% (34) had a family history. 10% of tested patients had a pathogenic genetic variant. 98% of patients had at least one discussion in the assessed areas; 16% had two, 21% had three and 52% had four or more. Genetic counselling helped 15% of patients decide not to proceed with genetic testing: either because a relative would be more appropriate to test (5%), the patient had a low risk of a BRCA mutation (3%) or for psychological reasons (7%). Psychological support was provided to 15% of patients including the provision of support resources in 12% and referral for counselling in 2% of cases. Genetic counsellors assess the whole family and were therefore able to provide screening recommendations for relatives in 62% of cases and assess risk of other familial conditions in 2% of families. Of importance external referrals were made in 6% of patients.
Conclusions
Genetic counselling provides significant psychosocial and practical benefits in the provision of breast cancer genetics: including advice for the whole family, ensuring genetic testing is appropriate and referral to appropriate external healthcare agencies. 1 NICE Guidance 2 NCCN Guidelines.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
V. Kiesel: Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options: Genehealth UK. G. Wishart: Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options: Check4Cancer.
Resources from the same session
3902 - The efficacy of preoperative breast cancer chemotherapy without anti-HER2-targeted treatment – single center experience in setting of no reimbursement in Poland (2011-2015)
Presenter: Agnieszka Badora-Rybicka
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract
4733 - A Multicentre, International Neoadjuvant (NA), Randomized, Double-blind Phase III Trial comparing FULVESTRANT to a combination of FULVESTRANT and PALBOCICLIB in patients with operable Luminal Breast Cancer (SAFIA Trial)
Presenter: Jean-Marc Nabholtz
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract
5227 - Outcome of Non-metastatic Male Breast Cancer: 222 patients
Presenter: Ulku Yalcintas Arslan
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract
5943 - Effects of delayed initiation of adjuvant trastuzumab for non-metastatic, Her2 positive breast cancer in a limited resources setting: ML25232 study final results
Presenter: Samir Beslija
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract
1725 - Final results of scalp cooling for hair preservation: A single- institution prospective study.
Presenter: Dario Loparco
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract
3713 - Adjuvant Systemic Therapy in Women with Early Breast Cancer and Intermediate Prosigna ROR Scores: Is Chemotherapy Use Declining? Evidence From a Large Practice
Presenter: Lowell Hart
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract
818 - Management of early breast cancer in women over 90: A 10 year experience
Presenter: Emily Coffey
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract
1141 - Evolution in the risk of adverse events of adjuvant endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women with early- stage breast cancer.
Presenter: Daniel Reinhorn
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract
2277 - Hepatitis B screening and incidence of flare among non-metastatic breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines
Presenter: Zewen Zhang
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract
2781 - Effect of denosumab on low bone mineral density in postmenopausal Japanese early breast cancer patients receiving aromatase nhibitors : 36-month results
Presenter: Koichi Sakaguchi
Session: Poster Display session 2
Resources:
Abstract