Patients with a family history of breast cancer often express a desire for genetic testing and would benefit from a discussion to clarify risks, which may reduce worry, according to a survey of 1,536 patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer in the SEER registry.

Among survey respondents, 35% expressed a strong desire for genetic testing, 28% reported discussing testing with a health care provider, and 19% received testing.

Those who requested genetic testing were more likely to be younger, Latina, or have a family history of cancer. Minorities, however, were less likely to discuss genetic testing with a professional, with Spanish-speaking Latinas having the greatest unmet need for discussion among all groups (odds ratio, 7.39).

Citation: Jagsi R, Griffith KA, Kurian AW, et al. Concerns about cancer risk and experiences with genetic testing in a diverse population of patients with breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2015. pii: JCO.2014.58.5885.