Most women tested for breast cancer gene skip counseling

Many women fear they may have a genetic mutation linked to breast cancer. But a new study shows that most women who get testing for the breast cancer genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 don’t get genetic counseling, despite standard recommendations that they should.

The study, from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, found that often doctors who send patients for genetic screening fail to recommend follow-up counseling so women can understand the findings and limitations of the test.

The National Cancer Institute says that the BRCA genes are linked to just 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases and about 15 percent of ovarian cancers, according to a Reuters story.

The research, reported in the journal JAMA Oncology, surveyed more than 3,600 women who received genetic testing. Only 37 percent of the patients said they had received genetic counseling, with most saying their doctor had not recommended counseling.

While the cost of genetic screening previously limited the number of women screened, testing costs are rapidly dropping, with typical BRCA testing today costing just $200 to $300. With many more women undergoing testing, experts believe that the recommendation for professional counseling for every women may no longer be practical.