1. The Effects of National Insurance Coverage Expansion and Genetic Counseling's Role on BRCA1/2 Mutation Tests in Breast Cancer Patients.
- Author
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Jang, Sung Yoon, Kwak, Youngji, Choi, Joon Young, Shin, Dong Seung, Lee, Hyunjun, Kim, Mina, Jung, Boo Yeon, Chae, Byung Joo, Yu, Jonghan, Lee, Jeong Eon, Kim, Seok Won, Nam, Seok Jin, and Ryu, Jai Min
- Subjects
BREAST tumor diagnosis ,HEALTH services accessibility ,INSURANCE ,BRCA genes ,RESEARCH funding ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,TERTIARY care ,CANCER patients ,GENETIC counseling ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,GENETIC counselors ,GENETIC mutation ,EARLY diagnosis ,INDIVIDUALIZED medicine ,PATIENT aftercare ,GENETIC testing - Abstract
Simple Summary: This research investigates the effects of South Korea's national insurance coverage (NIC) expansion and the inclusion of genetic counselors on BRCA1/2 mutation testing rates in breast cancer patients. By analyzing data from the Samsung Medical Center, the study reveals a notable increase in testing rates following NIC expansion and the addition of genetic counselors. Particularly noteworthy is the rise in testing rates among triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients under 60. Additionally, the involvement of genetic counselors led to a significant increase in follow-up patients undergoing testing. The NIC expansion also broadened insurance coverage for TNBC patients, thereby enhancing testing accessibility. These findings underscore the positive impact of NIC expansion and genetic counselor involvement on improving patient management. Addressing financial barriers to testing and integrating genetic counseling into healthcare practices present promising strategies for advancing early detection and tailored treatment approaches, thereby contributing to global efforts in cancer care and management. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the impact of South Korea's national insurance coverage (NIC) expansion and the addition of genetic counselors on BRCA1/2 mutation testing rates in breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at the Samsung Medical Center (SMC), dividing patients into three groups: pre-NIC expansion, post-NIC expansion, and post-extra genetic counselor involvement. The number of BRCA1/2 tests performed and the detection rates among newly diagnosed and follow-up patients, particularly focusing on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases, were analyzed. Results: Post-NIC expansion, there was a significant increase in BRCA1/2 testing rates, with a gradual rise in detection rates while maintaining statistical significance. TNBC patients under 60 experienced substantial increases in testing rates. The number of follow-up patients recalled for testing also rose significantly after the extra genetic counselor involvement. Additionally, NIC expansion increased insurance coverage for TNBC patients, enhancing accessibility to testing. Conclusion: The study highlights the positive impact of NIC expansion and genetic counselor involvement on BRCA1/2 mutation testing rates and subsequent patient management. Addressing financial barriers to testing and incorporating genetic counseling significantly improve patient outcomes. This model provides a potential strategy for enhancing early detection and personalized treatment for breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, contributing to global cancer management efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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