Disparities in Genetic Testing for Heritable Solid-Tumor Malignancies

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2022 Jan;31(1):109-126. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2021.08.004. Epub 2021 Oct 19.

Abstract

Genetic testing offers providers a potentially life saving tool for identifying and intervening in high-risk individuals. However, disparities in receipt of genetic testing have been consistently demonstrated and undoubtedly have significant implications for the populations not receiving the standard of care. If correctly used, there is the potential for genetic testing to play a role in decreasing health disparities among individuals of different races and ethnicities. However, if genetic testing continues to revolutionize cancer care while being disproportionately distributed, it also has the potential to widen the existing mortality gap between various racial and ethnic populations.

Keywords: Disparities; Genetic testing; Germline genetic testing; Hereditary cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ethnicity
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • United States