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Georgia Primary Care Providers’ Knowledge of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome

Journal of Cancer Education volume 32, pages 119–124 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is an inherited condition associated with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA) genes. Identification of individuals with HBOC requires that primary care providers understand the genetic principles required to appropriately collect family history and refer individuals for genetic evaluation. A survey was developed and administered to primary care providers in Georgia to assess their existing knowledge of HBOC and direct targeted educational efforts.

We found that Georgia providers demonstrate some knowledge of basic genetic principles but were unable to consistently identify individuals at risk for HBOC. Knowledge deficits included lack of understanding of inheritance patterns and failure to recognize the significance of ovarian cancer history. Strategies for improving identification of patients with HBOC include increasing provider knowledge and integrating HBOC risk assessment tools into practice. Identification of individuals at risk is the critical first step in the process of reducing incidence of breast and ovarian cancer associated with BRCA mutations.

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Acknowledgments

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Grant: 1U58DP003794-01.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA

    Navya Nair, Lisa Haddad & Dana Meaney-Delman

  2. Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, USA

    Cecelia Bellcross

  3. Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, USA

    Monique Martin & Barbara Crane

  4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA

    Roland Matthews

  5. Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA

    Sheryl Gabram-Mendola

Authors
  1. Navya Nair
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  2. Cecelia Bellcross
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  3. Lisa Haddad
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  4. Monique Martin
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  5. Roland Matthews
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  6. Sheryl Gabram-Mendola
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  7. Barbara Crane
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  8. Dana Meaney-Delman
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Correspondence to Navya Nair.

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Nair, N., Bellcross, C., Haddad, L. et al. Georgia Primary Care Providers’ Knowledge of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome. J Canc Educ 32, 119–124 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-015-0950-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-015-0950-9

Keywords

  • Hereditary
  • BRCA
  • Breast cancer
  • Ovarian cancer