Population-based screening has been proposed as a means of increasing detection of patients with hereditary cancer, in particular patients with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (HBOC) and Lynch syndrome (LS), the two most common hereditary cancer syndromes affecting between 1 in 800 and 1 in 350 people respectively. The literature shows poor detection of HBOC, LS, and other hereditary cancer syndromes in the population and unequal access to genetics services.
Individuals who are geographically isolated, or come from lower socioeconomic and education backgrounds tend to have reduced access to medical care, including genetic counseling and testing, due to various barriers. Patients from these populations also tend to have higher incidences of late stage cancers and poor outcomes. Patient navigators have been shown to increase access to medical care by identifying and addressing barriers, and improving patient outcomes overall.
This section includes resources for implementing population genetics screening programs, and patient navigation programs.
For assistance with resources in this section, please contact us at 214-645-2563 or cancergenetics@utsw.edu.
