Ovarian Cancer Risk-Reduction and Screening in Mutation Carriers

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2024

Journal Title

Journal of women's health (2002)

MeSH Headings

Humans; Female; Ovarian Neoplasms (genetics, diagnosis, prevention & control); Adult; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Genetic Testing; Mutation; Risk Reduction Behavior; Surveys and Questionnaires; Genes, BRCA1; Young Adult; Genes, BRCA2; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Heterozygote; Adolescent; Early Detection of Cancer; BRCA1 Protein (genetics)

Abstract

To determine the utilization of risk-reducing strategies and screening protocols for ovarian cancer in female carriers. This study was a sub-analysis of female participants from a larger multicenter, cross-sectional survey of mutation carriers unaffected by cancer. The questionnaire was administered electronically email at four institutions located in the northeast United States. Data were analyzed with Fisher's exact test. The survey was completed by 104 female mutation carriers. subtypes included 54.3% , 41.0% , and 2.9% both. The age at which patients underwent genetic testing varied 21.2% were 18-24 years, 25.0% were 25-34 years, 29.8% were 35-44 years, and 24.0% were 45 years or older. Nearly, all respondents (97.1%) reported that a provider had discussed risk-reducing surgeries. Of the 79 females who underwent genetic testing before 45 years of age, 53.2% reported that a health care provider recommended taking combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer, and, of these women, 88.1% chose to use them. COCs were offered at higher rates among women who were younger at the age of genetic testing (18-24: 86%, 25-34: 62%, 35-44: 23%; < 0.0001). Approximately half (55.8%) of the respondents reported having been offered increased screening for possible early detection of ovarian cancer, of which 81.0% chose to undergo screening. The majority utilized a combination of transvaginal ultrasound and serum CA125 measurements. There were no differences observed in screening utilization based on mutation type. In our cohort of female mutation carriers, risk-reducing surgery was offered to almost all women, whereas only half were offered risk-reducing medication and/or increased screening. Further investigation is needed to identify barriers to the utilization of risk-reducing strategies among this high-risk population.

First Page

624

Last Page

628

Full text is not available here. Please contact your library for more information.

Share

COinS