title: Georgia Primary Care Providers' Knowledge of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome.
abstract: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is an inherited condition associated with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA) genes. Identification of individuals with HBOC requires that primary care providers understand the genetic principles required to appropriately collect family history and refer individuals for genetic evaluation. A survey was developed and administered to primary care providers in Georgia to assess their existing knowledge of HBOC and direct targeted educational efforts.We found that Georgia providers demonstrate some knowledge of basic genetic principles but were unable to consistently identify individuals at risk for HBOC. Knowledge deficits included lack of understanding of inheritance patterns and failure to recognize the significance of ovarian cancer history. Strategies for improving identification of patients with HBOC include increasing provider knowledge and integrating HBOC risk assessment tools into practice. Identification of individuals at risk is the critical first step in the process of reducing incidence of breast and ovarian cancer associated with BRCA mutations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA. nnair5@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Navya
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, USA.
authors.forename: Cecelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bellcross
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Haddad
authors.affiliation: Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, USA.
authors.forename: Monique
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA.
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA.
authors.forename: Sheryl
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gabram-Mendola
authors.affiliation: Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Crane
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA.
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Meaney-Delman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005845:Georgia; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D061325:Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: BRCA; Breast cancer; Hereditary; Ovarian cancer