The Effects of National Insurance Coverage Expansion and Genetic Counseling's Role on BRCA1/2 Mutation Tests in Breast Cancer Patients.
Cancers (Basel)
; 16(10)2024 May 14.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38791944
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
This study aims to evaluate the impact of South Korea's national insurance coverage (NIC) expansion and the addition of genetic counselors on BRCA1/2 mutation testing rates in breast cancer patients. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
A retrospective review was conducted at the Samsung Medical Center (SMC), dividing patients into three groups pre-NIC expansion, post-NIC expansion, and post-extra genetic counselor involvement. The number of BRCA1/2 tests performed and the detection rates among newly diagnosed and follow-up patients, particularly focusing on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases, were analyzed.RESULTS:
Post-NIC expansion, there was a significant increase in BRCA1/2 testing rates, with a gradual rise in detection rates while maintaining statistical significance. TNBC patients under 60 experienced substantial increases in testing rates. The number of follow-up patients recalled for testing also rose significantly after the extra genetic counselor involvement. Additionally, NIC expansion increased insurance coverage for TNBC patients, enhancing accessibility to testing.CONCLUSION:
The study highlights the positive impact of NIC expansion and genetic counselor involvement on BRCA1/2 mutation testing rates and subsequent patient management. Addressing financial barriers to testing and incorporating genetic counseling significantly improve patient outcomes. This model provides a potential strategy for enhancing early detection and personalized treatment for breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, contributing to global cancer management efforts.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Cancers (Basel)
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article