Influence of the Angelina Jolie Announcement and Insurance Reimbursement on Practice Patterns for Hereditary Breast Cancer.
10.4048/jbc.2017.20.2.203
- Author:
Jihyoun LEE
1
;
Sungwon KIM
;
Eunyoung KANG
;
Suyeon PARK
;
Zisun KIM
;
Min Hyuk LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- Keywords:
Breast neoplasms;
Genetic testing;
Insurance coverage;
Practice patterns;
Prophylactic mastectomy
- MeSH:
Breast Neoplasms*;
Breast*;
Genetic Testing;
Insurance Coverage;
Insurance*;
Insurance, Health;
Insurance, Health, Reimbursement;
Mastectomy;
National Health Programs;
Ovarian Neoplasms;
Risk Management
- From:Journal of Breast Cancer
2017;20(2):203-207
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Lack of awareness, the stigma of carrying a genetic mutation, and economic factors are barriers to acceptance of BRCA genetic testing or appropriate risk management. We aimed to investigate the influence of Angelina Jolie's announcement of her medical experience and also health insurance reimbursement for BRCA gene testing on practice patterns for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). A survey regarding changes in practice patterns for HBOC before and after the announcement was conducted online. The rate of BRCA gene testing was obtained from the National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. From May to August 2016, 70 physicians responded to the survey. Genetic testing recommendations and prophylactic management were increased after the announcement. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy was significantly increased in BRCA carriers with breast cancer. The BRCA testing rate increased annually. Health insurance and a celebrity announcement were associated with increased genetic testing.
