Universal Genetic Counseling and Testing for Black Women: A Risk-Stratified Approach to Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities.

Abstract

Black women experience disproportionate breast cancer-related mortality, with similar overall incidence to White women. Approaches to address these racial health disparities should be multifaceted. Universal genetic counseling and testing for Black women could represent one dimension of a comprehensive approach in guiding early identification of those more likely to experience higher breast cancer-related mortality. The increased risk of triple-negative breast cancer and greater likelihood of early-onset breast cancer among Black women are 2 major justifications, given that these elements are already preexisting testing criteria per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Increasing assessment of breast cancer-related risk in the Black community through universal genetic counseling and testing should be considered to focus enhanced screening and preventive measures in a tailored risk-appropriate context.