Young-Rock Hong: Genetic Testing Patterns in Cancer Survivors

Young-Rock Hong shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Our latest study on Genetic Testing Patterns in Cancer Survivors supported by UF Health Cancer Center.

We analyzed the experiences of over 415,000 cancer survivors using cancer registry-linked survey data

Key Findings:

• 17% reported undergoing germline genetic testing
• 8.5% had tumor genetic testing
• Only 8.6% discussed tumor testing with healthcare providers

Significant disparities emerged:

• Higher testing rates among survivors under 65, females, college graduates, and those with private insurance
• Ovarian and breast cancer survivors showed 7%-36% higher testing prevalence compared to other cancer types
• Recent diagnoses (2015-2017) and advanced-stage cancers were associated with more tumor testing discussions

Why It Matters?:

While genetic testing can provide valuable insights for cancer treatment and prevention, our study reveals that its utilization remains low across most cancer types. This underscores the importance of developing strategies to optimize the integration of genetic testing into oncology practice, ensuring that all eligible patients can benefit from these advances in precision medicine.”

Additional information.
Source: Young-Rock Hong/LinkedIn

Young-Rock Hong is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida. Previously, he has been a Part-time Instructor for Sogang University Language Program and at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Language School.