The past decade has witnessed a rapid expansion of genetic tests, including new instruments to inform patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer about the risk of recurrence and to guide their treatment.
But the clinical significance of many of the inherited mutations that can now be identified remains unclear, and experts are torn on when and how to deploy all the new tests available.
Some breast cancer experts are concerned that widespread testing may create anxiety and lead to further testing and to treatment of questionable value that could raise costs for the health care system.
See “Genetic Tests Create Treatment Opportunities and Confusion for Breast Cancer Patients” by Michelle Andrews on the Kaiser Health News website (September 21, 2022)
