1. Effective Referral of Low-Income Women at Risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer to Genetic Counseling: A Randomized Delayed Intervention Control Trial.
- Author
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Pasick, Rena J, Joseph, Galen, Stewart, Susan, Kaplan, Celia, Lee, Robin, Luce, Judith, Davis, Sharon, Marquez, Titas, Nguyen, Tung, and Guerra, Claudia
- Subjects
Humans ,Breast Neoplasms ,Ovarian Neoplasms ,Genetic Predisposition to Disease ,Risk Factors ,Genetic Counseling ,Poverty ,Middle Aged ,African Americans ,Referral and Consultation ,California ,Female ,Genetic Testing ,Hispanic or Latino ,Asians ,Whites ,Ovarian Cancer ,Cancer ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Clinical Research ,Breast Cancer ,Genetics ,Prevention ,Rare Diseases ,Health Services ,Behavioral and Social Science ,Medical and Health Sciences ,Public Health - Abstract
ObjectivesTo 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.MethodsFrom 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.ResultsAmong 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.ConclusionsA 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.
- Published
- 2016