Timing matters: BRCA testing and surgical decisions in breast cancer patients
Abstract
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are crucial for cancer suppression, with mutations increasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The timing of BRCA genetic testing impacts treatment decisions for breast cancer patients. This study analyzes the impact of test result timing on surgery choices, using data from 3,750 breast cancer patients. The findings indicate that patients who received BRCA test results before surgery were more likely to choose appropriate surgical options, particularly those over age 50 who were negative for mutations. Faster test result turnaround could reduce unnecessary surgeries and healthcare costs, while informing policy changes for quicker testing.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Melissa Pespeni
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Biology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Timing matters: BRCA testing and surgical decisions in breast cancer patients
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are crucial for cancer suppression, with mutations increasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The timing of BRCA genetic testing impacts treatment decisions for breast cancer patients. This study analyzes the impact of test result timing on surgery choices, using data from 3,750 breast cancer patients. The findings indicate that patients who received BRCA test results before surgery were more likely to choose appropriate surgical options, particularly those over age 50 who were negative for mutations. Faster test result turnaround could reduce unnecessary surgeries and healthcare costs, while informing policy changes for quicker testing.
