Uptake of Genetic Testing Among Cancer Patients at Risk for Lynch Syndrome in the National Health Interview Survey

• Published in: Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2021-08, Vol.14 (10), p.927-932
• Main Authors: Actkins, Ky’Era V., Srinivasan, Swetha, Spees, Lisa P., Turbitt, Erin, Allen, Caitlin G., Roberts, Megan C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1940-6207; 1940-6215
• DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-21-0073

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common inherited cancer syndrome that increases the risk of developing colorectal (CRC) and endometrial cancer (EC). Universal screening guidelines were first recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2009 and are updated annually by multiple societies. Therefore, one would expect genetic testing rates to increase over time. But testing remains underutilized among those with CRC or EC, even though early detection can improve prognosis and survival rates. In this study, we aimed to understand differences in genetic testing uptake among those with CRC or EC from 2005, 2010, 2015, using data from the National Health Interview Survey. We examined genetic testing uptake across cancer type, age (≤ 50 or ≥ 51), sex, race, insurance, and education using a chi-square statistical analysis. Despite an upward genetic testing trend in 2010, we found no significant differences in genetic testing uptake over time. In 2010, non-White individuals experienced the highest increase from 2005 in comparison to White individuals. However, genetic testing rates declined for both groups by 2015. Our findings show that genetic testing for CRC and EC did not increase over a 10-year period in spite of guidelines that recommend testing.