Cancer Risk Assessment: Implementation of a Standardized Tool to Identify Women at Risk for Hereditary Cancer Syndrome

Background

Though literature identifies improved patient survivability with use of cancer genetic testing (CGT), routine use of risk assessment and referral to genetic services by oncologists remains low.

Objectives

To increase the number of patients identified as being at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS) and the number of patients sent for genetic counseling in a gynecologic/oncology office.

Methods

Ambry Genetics’ “AVA” (Ambry’s Virtual Assistant) screening tool was implemented and sent to all new patients visiting the office for any reason to assess their risk for HCS. Pre- and post-implementation rates of risk identification and referral to genetic services were recorded. The project aimed to increase the number of patients screened for HCS and referred to genetic counseling by 25 percentage points.

Findings

A chi-square test of independence determined a significant relationship between implementation of the standardized tool and risk identification status (X² (1, N = 72) = 14.184, p < .001).