Article
Oncology
Colleen M. McBride, Sarita Pathak, Courtney E. Johnson, Anthony J. Alberg, Elisa V. Bandera, Jill S. Barnholtz-Sloan, Melissa L. Bondy, Michele L. Cote, Patricia G. Moorman, Lauren C. Peres, Edward S. Peters, Ann G. Schwartz, Paul D. Terry, Joellen M. Schildkraut
Summary: The study found that only a minority of African American women participants underwent genetic testing, with lower income and experiencing job discrimination decreasing the likelihood of testing. The results support the need for interventions to improve the uptake of genetic testing among African American women by reducing cost barriers and providing assurances that genetic results will be kept private.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Allison W. Kurian, Paul Abrahamse, Allison Furgal, Kevin C. Ward, Ann S. Hamilton, Rachel Hodan, Rachel Tocco, Lihua Liu, Jonathan S. Berek, Lily Hoang, Amal Yussuf, Lisa Susswein, Edward D. Esplin, Thomas P. Slavin, Scarlett L. Gomez, Timothy P. Hofer, Steven J. Katz
Summary: "Importance" recommends germline genetic testing for cancer patients to enable genetically targeted treatment and identify relatives who may benefit from personalized cancer screening and prevention. An observational study in California and Georgia from 2013 to 2019 found that only 6.8% of patients diagnosed with cancer underwent germline genetic testing, with lower testing rates among Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients compared to non-Hispanic White patients.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Vida Henderson, Ifeanyi Beverly Chukwudozie, Delawnia Comer-Hagans, Vickii Coffey, Giesela Grumbach, Shirley Spencer, Carolyn Rodgers, Ravneet Kaur, Jennifer Newsome, Lara Balay, Tara Maga, Le'Chaun Kendall, Catherine Balthazar, Karriem Watson, Robert Winn, Angela Odoms-Young, Kent F. Hoskins
Summary: This study developed a culturally sensitive narrative intervention to motivate underserved African American women with hereditary breast cancer risk to engage in genetic counseling, using multiple qualitative methods and a robust theoretical framework of health behavior.
Article
Oncology
Vida Henderson, Ifeanyi Beverly Chukwudozie, Delawnia Comer-Hagans, Vickii Coffey, Giesela Grumbach, Shirley Spencer, Carolyn Rodgers, Ravneet Kaur, Jennifer Newsome, Lara Balay, Tara Maga, Le'Chaun Kendall, Catherine Balthazar, Karriem Watson, Robert Winn, Angela Odoms-Young, Kent F. Hoskins
Summary: This study developed a culturally sensitive multimedia narrative intervention aimed at motivating African American women at risk for hereditary breast cancer to engage in genetic counseling. Through multiple qualitative data collection methods and a robust theoretical framework of health behavior, six themes were identified and educational content embedded into the intervention. Testing with stakeholder groups showed the intervention to be effective and culturally sensitive.
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Chad A. Newton, Justin M. Oldham, Carolyn Applegate, Nikkola Carmichael, Karen Powell, Dan Dilling, Shelley L. Schmidt, Mary Beth Scholand, Mary Armanios, Christine Kim Garcia, Jonathan A. Kropski, Janet Talbert
Summary: Patients with familial pulmonary fibrosis have inherited gene variation that predisposes them to the disease, and genetic testing can provide personalized assessment, recognition of clinically relevant manifestations, and evaluation of susceptibility in unaffected relatives. However, the current use of genetic testing lacks consistency and guidance on high-yield scenarios.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Rachel Saunders-Pullman, Deborah Raymond, Roberto A. Ortega, Ali Shalash, Emilia Gatto, Mehri Salari, Maggie Markgraf, Roy N. Alcalay, Deborah Mascalzoni, Niccolo E. Mencacci, Vincenzo Bonifati, Marcelo Merello, Sun Ju Chung, Ivana Novakovic, Soraya Bardien, Gian Pal, Anne Hall, Nobutaka Hattori, Timothy Lynch, Avner Thaler, Carolyn M. Sue, Tatiana Foroud, Jennifer Verbrugge, Jeanine Schulze, Lola Cook, Karen Marder, Oksana Suchowersky, Christine Klein, Tatyana Simuni
Summary: This study aims to determine the international landscape of genetic testing in Parkinson's disease (PD) and provide information for future global recommendations. The survey found common barriers such as cost and access to genetic testing and counseling, as well as the need for education on genetic counseling. Region-dependent differences were most notable in Africa, while high-income countries showed heterogeneity, with European nations more likely to have genetic testing covered through insurance than Pan-American and Asian countries. In conclusion, improving education and access to genetic counseling and testing for PD worldwide is highly needed.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Sushma Tatineni, Meri Tarockoff, Nadine Abdallah, Kristen S. Purrington, Hadeel Assad, Rachel Reagle, Nancie Petrucelli, Michael S. Simon
Summary: This study evaluated the results of multigene panel testing among individuals at high risk for hereditary cancer in Michigan. The findings showed that African Americans and Arabs were more likely to have variants of uncertain significance, while non-Hispanic white individuals were more likely to have pathogenic variants.
Article
Oncology
Annelie Augustinsson, Martin P. Nilsson, Carolina Ellberg, Ulf Kristoffersson, Hakan Olsson, Hans Ehrencrona
Summary: The study in Sweden aimed to evaluate a Traceback strategy for cancer patients who did not undergo genetic testing when first diagnosed with breast cancer. Out of 409 women diagnosed with breast cancer at <= 35 years between 2000 and 2017, 63 had not been tested before and were offered genetic analysis. Forty-six percent underwent genetic testing, identifying pathogenic variants in BRCA1 (n = 2), CHEK2 (n = 1), and ATM (n = 1). The main reason for not undergoing testing previously was lack of information from physicians. Study participants were generally satisfied with the approach of written pre-test information and in-person counseling for carriers of pathogenic variants.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Daria Grafodatskaya, Darren D. O'Rielly, Karine Bedard, Darci T. Butcher, Christopher J. Howlett, Alice Lytwyn, Elizabeth McCready, Jillian Parboosingh, Elizabeth L. Spriggs, Andrea K. Vaags, Tracy L. Stockley
Summary: This document provides considerations and recommendations for Canadian clinical laboratories developing, validating, and offering next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based BRCA1/2 tumor testing in ovarian cancers. It was drafted by the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG) BRCA Ad Hoc Working Group and representatives from the Canadian Association of Pathologists, and approved by the CCMG board of directors. However, the current CCMG Practice Guidelines do not include all the information laboratories should consider when validating and using NGS for BRCA1/2 tumor testing in ovarian cancers.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Veda N. Giri, Todd M. Morgan, David S. Morris, Jacob E. Berchuck, Colette Hyatt, Mary-Ellen Taplin
Summary: Inherited genetic mutations are closely associated with the risk of prostate cancer, and germline genetic testing plays an important role in determining treatment options and screening high-risk populations. Primary care is a critical field for clinicians to evaluate high-risk patients, individuals with prostate cancer, and survivors who may require germline genetic testing.
CA-A CANCER JOURNAL FOR CLINICIANS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jane M. Tiller, Nicole E. Cousens, Rajneesh Kaur, Simone Rowley, Yi-An Ko, Sakshi Mahale, Agnes Bankier, Bettina Meiser, Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Leslie Burnett, Chris Jacobs, Paul James, Alison Trainer, Suzanne Neil, Ian G. Campbell, Lesley Andrews, Martin Delatycki
Summary: The incidence of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants is higher in Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) people compared to unselected populations. Two population-based screening programs for BRCA-Jewish founder mutations were highly acceptable to Australian Jewish communities and led to the identification of previously unknown carriers.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Huma Q. Rana, Lindsay Kipnis, Kristin Hehir, Angel Cronin, Tim Jaung, Samantha M. Stokes, Fatemeh Fekrmandi, Donna Vatnick, Ursula A. Matulonis, Judy E. Garber, Alexi A. Wright
Summary: The study found that embedding a genetic counselor in a medical and gynecologic oncology clinic significantly increased genetic testing rates and improved timeliness for ovarian cancer patients, leading to higher adherence to guideline recommendations.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Maia Leigh Norman, Janet Malcolmson, Susan Randall Armel, Brittany Gillies, Brian Ou, Emily Thain, Jeanna Marie McCuaig, Raymond H. Kim
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual genetics services, as shown by a retrospective review of Canada's largest cancer center. The study found that virtual care maintained the number of appointments and new patients, but resulted in a decrease in referral volumes and genetic testing uptake.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
J. Jaime Alberty-Oller, Sarah Weltz, Antonio Santos, Kereeti Pisapati, Meng Ru, Christina Weltz, Hank Schmidt, Elisa Port
Summary: The study identified a significant underutilization of genetic testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, with many eligible patients not receiving testing. Factors contributing to this underutilization include issues with family history assessment, patient age, ethnicity, and patient compliance. Broader peri-diagnostic testing should be considered, along with efforts to increase compliance rates among referred patients.
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nicola Flaum, Emma J. Crosbie, Richard Edmondson, Emma R. Woodward, Fiona Lalloo, Miriam J. Smith, Helene Schlecht, D. Gareth Evans
Summary: This study reviewed the genetic testing of women with familial epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) at a center. One-fifth of BRCA-negative women carried potentially actionable gene variants. Wider genetic testing of women with familial EOC is essential for optimizing treatment and preventing disease in family members.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Elizabeth J. Siembida, Ashley Wilder Smith, Arnold L. Potosky, Kristi D. Graves, Roxanne E. Jensen
Summary: This study examined how different comorbidities impact health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a group of older cancer survivors, finding that individual comorbid conditions have a more significant impact on HRQOL outcomes, and having two or more comorbidities has a stronger effect on HRQOL.
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Joshua P. Kronenfeld, Kristi D. Graves, Frank J. Penedo, Betina Yanez
Summary: Hispanics and Latinos face significant disadvantages in sociodemographic factors and access to equitable healthcare options compared to non-Hispanic Whites. By 2030, there will be around four million Hispanic and Latino cancer survivors in the U.S., with challenges including lower rates of health insurance and financial resources. Addressing these disparities requires systemic changes in healthcare, workforce diversity, and research opportunities to achieve health equity for all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity.
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jinani Jayasekera, Jennifer Yeh, Kristi Graves, Jeanne Mandelblatt
TRANSLATIONAL BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Susan T. Vadaparampil, Laura Moreno Botero, Lindsay Fuzzell, Jennifer Garcia, Lina Jandorf, Alejandra Hurtado-de-Mendoza, Claudia Campos-Galvan, Beth N. Peshkin, Marc D. Schwartz, Katherine Lopez, Charite Ricker, Katie Fiallos, Gwendolyn P. Quinn, Kristi D. Graves
Summary: Health disparities in cancer care in the USA, especially in genetic services, pose significant challenges for underserved Latino populations. The development of ARBOLES Familiares, a training program for bilingual CORE-Ps, shows promising results in improving knowledge and access to genetic services among high-risk Latinas. Further refinement and adaptation for online delivery are planned for the future.
TRANSLATIONAL BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Susan M. Cheng, David L. Taylor, Allison A. Fitzgerald, Charlene C. Kuo, Kristi D. Graves
Summary: The study aimed to improve medical students' social belongingness through a brief peer-to-peer intervention, and the evidence showed that this intervention can reduce students' social isolation. Peer-to-peer message delivery played a significant role in reducing students' social isolation.
TEACHING AND LEARNING IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Alejandra Hurtado-de-Mendoza, Felisa Gonzales, Minna Song, Esther J. Holmes, Kristi D. Graves, Reuben Retnam, Sara Gomez-Trillos, Katherine Lopez, Megan C. Edmonds, Vanessa B. Sheppard
Summary: This study found significant positive associations between emotional/informational and tangible social support and different health-related quality of life domains among breast cancer survivors. Additionally, different types of social support were found to have a positive impact on the overall quality of life of breast cancer survivors, regardless of race.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Arnold L. Potosky, Kristi D. Graves, Li Lin, Wei Pan, Jane M. Fall-Dickson, Jaeil Ahn, Kristin M. Ferguson, Theresa H. M. Keegan, Lisa E. Paddock, Xiao-Cheng Wu, Rosemary Cress, Bryce B. Reeve
Summary: The study described the prevalence and predictors of symptom and function clusters in a diverse cohort of colorectal cancer survivors. It identified high-risk groups for specific clusters, providing information for clinical interventions for survivors.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Christine Rini, Margaret Waltz, Katrin Bovbjerg, David Farrell, Betina Yanez, Anthony Chicaiza, Madison L. Hartstein, Rahma Omar, Rebecca Thompson, Scott D. Rowley, Annette L. Stanton, Heiddis Valdimarsdottir, Jane Austin, Alyssa N. Van Denburg, Kristi D. Graves
Summary: This study investigated the attitudes and preferences of hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors towards accessing written peer support through a website. The findings suggest that written peer support could be a valuable resource for transplant survivors, but it needs to be tailored to individual experiences, trustworthy, and accompanied by useful psychoeducational content.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Betina Yanez, Chloe J. Taub, Margaret Waltz, Alma Diaz, Diana Buitrago, Katrin Bovbjerg, Anthony Chicaiza, Rebecca Thompson, Scott Rowley, Jonathan Moreira, Kristi D. Graves, Christine Rini
Summary: This study explored the unmet transplant needs, barriers, and facilitators of Hispanic/Latinx patients with cancer treated with stem cell transplant. The results revealed that cultural factors, social determinants, and structural inequalities give rise to unique needs in this patient population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
DeJuana Coleman, Alejandra Hurtado-de-Mendoza, Abigail Montero, Sabrina Sawhney, Judy Huei-yu Wang, Tania Lobo, Kristi D. Graves
Summary: This study examined the experiences of cervical cancer survivors from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, specifically Black, Latina, and Chinese American women. The findings showed that the survivors' experiences were negatively influenced by perceptions of stigma. Higher scores on spirituality and varied types of social support were significantly associated with fewer symptoms in the SPADE symptom cluster.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Sara Gomez-Trillos, Kristi D. Graves, Katie Fiallos, Marc D. Schwartz, Beth N. Peshkin, Heidi Hamilton, Vanessa B. Sheppard, Susan T. Vadaparampil, Filipa Lynce, Claudia Campos, Nathaly Gonzalez, Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza
ANNALS OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Angie Jang, Rebecca G. Thompson, Katrin Bovbjerg, Anthony Chicaiza, Madison L. Hartstein, Kristi D. Graves, Christine M. Rini
ANNALS OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Christine Rini, Katrin Bovbjerg, Diana Buitrago, Anthony Chicaiza, Alma Diaz, Madison Hartstein, Angie Jang, Rahma Omar, Layan Shahrour, Rebecca Thompson, Alyssa Van denburg, Betina Yanez, Kristi D. Graves
Article
Education & Educational Research
Rebeca Almeida, Alejandra Lopez-Macha, Tania Dugatkin, Galen Joseph, Ysabel Duron, Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza, Kristi D. Graves, Laura Fejerman
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Latinas, who are diagnosed at later stages and have higher mortality rates than non-Latina White women. Latinas participate less in genetic counseling, making the development of culturally appropriate education programs crucial. Training promotores can improve their knowledge and highlight the importance of health education and their role in the Latino community. Future research will evaluate the impact on promotores' knowledge and community members' screening behaviors.
HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Kristi Graves, Caleb C. McKinney, Susan M. Cheng
ANNALS OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2021)