BRCA Testing Survey Insights: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Testing and Treatment for Patients with Breast Cancer

Hereditary breast cancer is a significant concern, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations accounting for many inherited breast cancer cases. However, a 2018 survey by ACCC revealed the underutilization of BRCA testing, showcasing a significant gap in care. In this podcast, Joy Larsen Haidle, Genetic Counselor at North Memorial Health Cancer Center in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, and Lillie Shockney, University Distinguished Service Professor of Breast Cancer, Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, delve into the topic of BRCA mutation testing within breast cancer care, highlighting care gaps and opportunities for improvement that were identified in the 2023 ACCC BRCA Testing Reassessment Survey.   

“There are treatments that are specific for women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene that have metastatic disease. So, by not testing them, they are not receiving the benefit of specific drugs that have been developed, that only work, for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers who have advanced disease.”

Lillie Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON- ONN-CG  

“In the past 4 years in particular, the ability for patients to reach out and see a genetic counselor via telehealth has rapidly improved access for providers across the country.”

Joy Larsen Haidle, MS, LCGC

Joy Larsen Haidle, MS, LCGC

Genetic Counselor

North Memorial Health Cancer Center

Robbinsdale, MN 

Lillie D Shockney, RN., BS., MAS, HON- ONN-CG

University Distinguished Service Professor of Breast Cancer, Professor of Surgery

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Baltimore, MD

Resources:  

2021 ACCC Presentation on Genetic Counseling Rates at ASCO

ACCC 2018 Survey Summary Report