Genetics & Genomics

Disparities in Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment and Testing

Meghan L. Underhill-Blazey

Tarsha Jones

Karleen R. Habin

health disparities, genetic testing, risk assessment, breast cancer, ovarian cancer
ONF 2016, 43(4), 519-523. DOI: 10.1188/16.ONF.519-523

Scientific and technologic advances in genomics have revolutionized genetic counseling and testing, targeted therapy, and cancer screening and prevention. Among younger women, African American and Hispanic women have a higher rate of cancers that are associated with hereditary cancer risk, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which is linked to poorer outcomes. Therefore, genetic testing is particularly important in diverse populations. Unfortunately, all races and ethnic groups are not well represented in current genetic testing practices, leading to disparities in cancer prevention and early detection

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