SACRAMENTO — Researchers with UC Davis Health have launched a study they hope will help improve health outcomes of Latinas who may be genetically predisposed to breast cancer.
The study aims to recruit Latina breast cancer survivors age 20 to 79 to explore their awareness and understanding of genetic testing for cancer predisposition. Specifically, the researchers want to understand what makes it hard or easy for them to access genetic counseling and testing.
Researchers hope to reach at least 300 Latina women breast cancer survivors through an in-person or telephone survey. They expect to follow up with a smaller group of participants in person, via video, or by phone, with more detailed questions.
The survey and follow-up interviews are scheduled to be completed by the end of next year, with results expected in 2027.
The study is called Entendiéndonos — the Spanish word for “understanding each other.”
Breast cancer rates among Latinas are lower overall than in non-Hispanic white women, but Latinas are often diagnosed at later stages. Latinas are nearly a third more likely to die from the disease. In addition, mammography screening rates for Latinas are much lower than for non-Latinas.
Latinas and their family members are also less likely to seek genetic testing for breast cancer than non-Hispanic white women.
“Genetic testing, which analyzes a person’s DNA, is a powerful and reliable tool for identifying mutations or variants that may increase the risk of certain diseases, including cancer,” said Luis Carvajal-Carmona, the principal investigator of the research team and UC Davis associate vice chancellor for academic diversity. “For example, if a mother is diagnosed with breast cancer and found to carry a mutation linked to the disease, her family members can also undergo genetic testing to determine whether they share the same risk.”
But anecdotal evidence suggests relatively few Latinas with breast cancer know about genetic testing.
Researchers are seeking to understand why many individuals who qualify for genetic testing never proceed with it. Possible reasons include that the testing was never offered or that patients are unaware that insurance typically covers both the test and a consultation with a genetic counselor. This specialist evaluates the patient’s personal and family cancer history, determines whether testing is appropriate and explains the implications of the results for the patient and their family.
“There could be many reasons why breast cancer survivors do or don’t undergo genetic testing — and we want to get to the bottom of it,” Carvajal-Carmona said.
Once researchers identify barriers to testing, they’ll be able to make recommendations about what it takes to increase awareness and testing rates.
As more cancer survivors get genetic testing — and their family members do, too — more people will learn whether they carry inherited mutations that raise their risk of cancer. This will give them the chance to take preventive steps to lower that risk.
To be eligible for the study, participants must meet be between 20 and 79 years old; assigned female at birth, have received a breast cancer diagnosis in the past five years; lived in California at the time of the most recent breast cancer diagnosis; identify as Hispanic or Latina; belong to a medically underserved community, such as enrollment in Medi-Cal or live in a region designated a health-professional shortage area; and speak either English or Spanish.
Initial financial support for the study came from surplus settlement funds from a class-action lawsuit against Wyeth Pharmaceuticals for misrepresented risks of hormone replacement therapy. UC Davis Health was a recipient of the settlement.
If you believe you are eligible to participate in the study or know someone who might be, please visit the research recruitment page for more details, including contact information and a link to the survey.
— UC Davis Health News
