Uptake of Genetic Testing Among Patients with Cancer At Risk for Lynch Syndrome in the National Health Interview Survey

• Authors: Ky’Era V Actkins, Meharry Medical College; Swetha Srinivasan, University of North Carolina; Lisa P Spees, University of North Carolina; Erin Turbitt, University of Technology Sydney; Caitlin G Allen, Emory University; Megan C Roberts, University of North Carolina
• Journal Title: CANCER PREVENTION RESEARCH
• Volume: Volume 14, Number 10
• Publisher: AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH | 2021-10-01, Pages 927-931
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-21-0073
• Subjects: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Health Sciences, Immunology; Biology, Microbiology; Education, Health
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Oncology; INDIVIDUALS; SOCIETY; WOMEN

Abstract

Lynch syndrome is the most common inherited cancer syndrome that increases the risk of developing colorectal and endometrial cancer. Universal screening guidelines were first recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2009 and are updated annually by multiple societies. Therefore, one would expect genetic testing rates to increase over time. But testing remains underutilized among those with colorectal or endometrial cancer, even though early detection can improve prognosis and survival rates. In this study, we aimed to understand differences in genetic testing uptake among those with colorectal cancer or endometrial cancer from 2005, 2010, 2015, using data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). We examined genetic testing uptake across cancer-type, age (≤50 or ≥51), sex, race, insurance, and education using a χ2 statistical analysis. Despite an upward genetic testing trend in 2010, we found no significant differences in genetic testing uptake over time. In 2010, non-White individuals experienced the highest increase from 2005 in comparison with White individuals. However, genetic testing rates declined for both groups by 2015. Our findings show that genetic testing for colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer did not increase over a 10-year period in spite of guidelines that recommend testing.