2023 Volume 23 Issue 1 Pages 22-26
Our hospital established a "Hereditary Cancer Clinic" in 1991, and has been providing genetic testing and counseling for hereditary cancer diseases including HBOC for over 30 years. Since the genetic testing for BRCA genes and risk-reducing surgeries for HBOC became covered by the National Health Insurance in April, 2020, it has been essential in clinical practice not only for definitive diagnosis of HBOC but also for the selection of surgical procedures including those for risk-reduction. It has a significant impact on the choice of therapeutic agents for recurrent breast cancer, advanced ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer have also been greatly affected. Currently, however, we can provide only limited supports for genetic problems.
Our hospital is located in Koriyama City,Fukushima Prefecture, and has established a collaborative system for genetic testing and counseling, with 1 clinic and 5 hospitals in the vicinity. Since genetic testing for BRCA genes became covered by the health insurance system, it was performed in 258 patients from 247 families (4 cases were referred from outside hospitals). 27 patients from 24 families have been identified to carry pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 genes. In order to provide medical care for hereditary tumors in rural areas without regional disparities, it is necessary not only to operate a collaborative system but also to educate medical professionals involved in breast cancer treatment about hereditary tumors.
