Awareness of genetic counseling and genetic testing for hereditary gynecologic cancers among Korean healthcare providers: A survey

J Genet Couns. 2022 Apr;31(2):546-553. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1524. Epub 2021 Oct 21.

Abstract

We conducted a survey to evaluate the awareness of genetic counseling and testing for hereditary gynecologic cancers among Korean healthcare providers. We performed an on-the-spot survey using 29 questions on respondents' basic information, awareness of pre/post-test genetic counseling, genetic information management, and related social issues. We surveyed healthcare providers who attended the 2019 Hereditary Gynecologic Cancer Symposium organized by the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology. Of the 108 attendees, 85 (78.7%) participated in the survey. Among them, 45% (37/83) and 40% (33/83) did not have a separate clinic and had a dedicated team for genetic counseling in their institutions, respectively. Most respondents (60/76, 79%) recommended genetic testing for all women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. Many respondents simultaneously (20/85, 24%) or sequentially (45/85, 53%) tested for both pathogenic somatic and germline variants, whereas a few respondents (2/85, 2%) checked for only pathogenic somatic variants using tissue samples. Only 20% (17/85) of the respondents recommended genetic testing for all women with endometrial cancer; meanwhile, 68% (58/86) offered the test based on the results of the screening test or family history. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy was recommended to unaffected women with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants by 69.4% of the respondents (59/85). Most respondents (73/85, 85.9%) needed a manual on bioethics law; a few required a clinical update of hereditary cancer (73/85, 85.9%). The awareness of genetic counseling and testing and the pattern of clinical practice for hereditary gynecologic cancers differ among institutions and regions in Korea. A discussion on these issues and the development of an integrated manual for healthcare providers are required.

Keywords: genetic counseling; genetic testing; healthcare providers; hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome; lynch syndrome; survey.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Genetic Counseling / methods
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing / methods
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female* / genetics
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Republic of Korea
  • Surveys and Questionnaires