Cancer genomics surveillance: Are Oregonians receiving appropriate cancer genomics testing?

Previous work demonstrated that Oregonians and their healthcare providers (HCPs) are unsure how genetics, genomics, and family history fit into healthcare. Yet, numerous genomic tests are available and being marketed to both HCPs and the public, increasing confusion.

The Oregon Public Health Genetics Program is conducting a statewide surveillance program to monitor the knowledge, attitudes, the use of cancer-specific evidence-based genomic tests and family history in Oregon. These activities target Oregon's 2.9 million adults and Oregon HCPs working in a number of different clinical settings, including urban, rural, safety net, and private insurance settings.

This presentation focuses on two specific groups of genetic tests for populations at high risk for cancer: BRCA 1&2 testing for breast and ovarian cancer (BOC) and mismatch repair gene mutation testing for colorectal cancer (CRC). Data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Medicaid claims, Oregon State Cancer Registry, genetics services patient visits, and other surveys and interviews that assess knowledge, attitudes, and use of cancer genomic tests and identify disparities will be presented to address these learning objectives: 1) how BOC and CRC genomic testing are being used in clinics in Oregon, and 2) whether these tests are being used appropriately for individuals identified as high risk from their family history. Guidelines published by the Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention Working Group and the United States Preventative Services Task Force are being used to assess the appropriateness of testing.