Effective referral of low-income women at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer to genetic counseling: A randomized delayed intervention control trial

R.J. Pasick, G. Joseph, S. Stewart, C. Kaplan, R. Lee, J. Luce, S. Davis, T. Marquez, T. Nguyen and C. Guerra

American Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 106, issue 10, 1842-1848

Abstract: Objectives. To determine the effectiveness of a statewide telephone service in identifying low-income women at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and referring them to free genetic counseling. Methods. From June 2010 through August 2011, eligible callers to California's toll-free breast and cervical cancer telephone service were screened for their family histories of breast and ovarian cancer. High-risk women were identified and called for a baseline survey and randomization to an immediate offer of genetic counseling or a mailed brochure on how to obtain counseling. Clinic records were used to assess receipt of genetic counseling after 2 months. Results. Among 1212 eligible callers, 709 (58.5%) agreed to answer family history questions; 102 (14%) were at high risk (25% Hispanic, 46% White, 10% Black, 16% Asian, 3% of other racial/ethnic backgrounds). Of the high-risk women offered an immediate appointment, 39%received counseling during the intervention period, as compared with 4.5% of those receiving the brochure. Conclusions. A public health approach to the rare but serious risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer can be successful when integrated into the efforts of existing safety net organizations.

Keywords: African American; Asian continental ancestry group; Breast Neoplasms; California; Caucasian; controlled study; female; genetic counseling; genetic predisposition; genetic screening; genetics; Hispanic; human; middle aged; Ovarian Neoplasms; patient referral; poverty; procedures; randomized controlled trial; risk factor, African Americans; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Breast Neoplasms; California; European Continental Ancestry Group; Female; Genetic Counseling; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing; Hispanic Americans; Humans; Middle Aged; Ovarian Neoplasms; Poverty; Referral and Consultation; Risk Factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2016.303312_3

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303312

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