Assessment of cancer screening practices after BRCA testing in Michigan.

Abstract

1557 Background: Women who harbor BRCA1/2 mutations are at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer and are advised to undergo high risk surveillance and/or preventative surgery. The compliance with screening guidelines in these women is not well known. This study aims to evaluate the uptake and screening practices of women with known deleterious BRCA mutations and BRCA true negatives who received genetic counseling in the state of Michigan. Methods: A telephone survey coordinated by the Michigan Department of Community Health was conducted on pts seen at 8 genetics clinics between 10/07 to 10/09. Each center was staffed by board certified genetics professionals who provided pre and post-test genetic counseling. Pts who were found to carry a deleterious BRCA mutation, or to be negative for a known familial mutation, were queried regarding adherence to NCCN guidelines. Results: 138 of 253 (55%) pts responded to the phone survey, with an elapsed time of 1.7 to 4.6 years from post-test counseling session. Among BRCA mutation carriers over age 25 years with no cancer history or mastectomy, 11 of 21 pts (52%) adhered to MRI screening guidelines, 3 pts (14%) reported two MRIs, and 7 (33%) pts had no MRI screening in the preceding year. 18 of 21 pts (86%) reported having a screening mammogram in the preceding year and the remaining 3 had two or more. 8 of 20 (40%) pts had two clinical breast exams. Of the women who had breast cancer and no mastectomy, 5 of 9 (56%) pts did not have MRI screening. Of the BRCA true negatives with no cancer history, CA-125 or transvaginal ultrasound was performed in 7 (19%) and 8 (20%) of 37 pts, respectively. Conclusions: This study reveals sub-optional compliance with screening guidelines in women who were identified to be carriers of BRCA mutations or those who were true negatives, despite pre and post-test genetic counseling and communication of established management guidelines. Some recommended screening measures were under-utilized in BRCA mutation carriers, and some were over-utilized in the true negatives. Additional interventions are needed to improve adherence to evidence-based screening guidelines aimed at promoting early detection, with an emphasis on appropriate utilization of limited healthcare resources.