Evaluation of uptake of BRCA testing and use of health care services
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of the uptake rate of BRCA1&2 testing and subsequent health service use over time
IRAS ID
227795
Contact name
Munir Pirmohamed
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Genetic (BRCA1&2) mutations are associated with early onset disease and increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Identification of individuals at risk through BRCA1/2 testing can lead to improved health outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality. Firstly, intensified surveillance enables strategies may be offered which may improve detection of cancer earlier. Further, risk reducing procedures may be offered or better targeted treatments may be made available.
It is reported that the North West region of the UK has one of the lowest rates of BRCA genetic testing. The potential reasons for variation are believed to be dependent on the prevalence of inherited cancers in different local populations, patient preference, capacity for genetic testing, differing accessibility, commissioning and differing clinical practice. However several developments over time may have also impacted upon uptake of BRCA testing and use of health care services. Data analysis is needed to determine whether identified variation is warranted or unwarranted, and to examine factors associated with identified variation to ensure equity of access. This study will demonstrate the impact on health services use, specifically BRCA testing, following several developments over time. Such data analysis will provide evidence to better target policies to reduce health care disparities.REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1618
Date of REC Opinion
4 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion