Genetic testing in privately insured women with surgically treated breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Rates of BRCA1 and BRCA2 prevalence among women with breast cancer vary by age, hormone receptor status, and family history. Recommendations for genetic testing have varied between overlapping guidelines, payor coverage policies, and have evolved over time, resulting in unclear implications for adoption into routine breast cancer care.

METHODS

Using a large, private insurer database, we examined rates of BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing in women with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer undergoing surgery from 2015 through 2019.

RESULTS

Testing increased among women 50 years or older from 26 to 38%, remained stable at 66% in both 2015 and 2019 in the under 50 population, and was slightly decreased in women under age 45 years.

CONCLUSION

Among privately insured patients with breast cancer, rates are increasing in older women, but appear persistently underused in younger women.