BRCA testing of breast cancer patients: medical specialists' referral patterns, knowledge and attitudes to genetic testing
Corresponding Author
E. VAN RIEL phd, genetic counsellor
Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
E. van Riel, Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands (e-mail: [email protected]). Search for more papers by this authorC.C. WÁRLÁM-RODENHUIS md, radiation oncologist
Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht
Search for more papers by this authorS. VERHOEF phd, md, clinical geneticist
Family Cancer Clinic, the Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam
Search for more papers by this authorE.J.T.H. RUTGERS phd, md, professor of surgical oncology
Division of Surgical Oncology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam
Search for more papers by this authorM.G.E.M. AUSEMS phd, md, clinical geneticist
Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
E. VAN RIEL phd, genetic counsellor
Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
E. van Riel, Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands (e-mail: [email protected]). Search for more papers by this authorC.C. WÁRLÁM-RODENHUIS md, radiation oncologist
Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht
Search for more papers by this authorS. VERHOEF phd, md, clinical geneticist
Family Cancer Clinic, the Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam
Search for more papers by this authorE.J.T.H. RUTGERS phd, md, professor of surgical oncology
Division of Surgical Oncology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam
Search for more papers by this authorM.G.E.M. AUSEMS phd, md, clinical geneticist
Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
VAN RIEL E., WÁRLÁM-RODENHUIS C.C., VERHOEF S., RUTGERS E.J.TH. & AUSEMS M.G.E.M. (2010) European Journal of Cancer Care19, 369–376BRCA testing of breast cancer patients: medical specialists' referral patterns, knowledge and attitudes to genetic testing
This study explores knowledge about hereditary breast cancer, attitudes about BRCA testing and referral pattern to a family cancer clinic among medical specialists. A total of 92 questionnaires were completed by surgeons (38), medical oncologists (29), radiation oncologists (13) and radiologists (12). The response rate was 51%. A substantial (11–56%) proportion of medical specialists do not refer patients who meet current criteria for BRCA testing. Although questions on inheritance were less well answered, overall knowledge was good. They had a positive attitude, but were concerned about the distress DNA testing might cause to family members. The majority (75%) stated that the best time for referral is after adjuvant therapy or during follow-up, but another important determinant was the patient's wish or need (12%). Further studies are needed to gain insight into the actual referral process, while ongoing training of medical specialists about genetic aspects of breast cancer is also necessary.
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