MIAMI BEACH – Breast surgeons can help relieve a “medical education crisis” by advising breast cancer patients about the implications of genetic testing results. The crisis continues to worsen given the remarkable rise in precision medicine and the limited number of genetic counselors in the United States, Patrick W. Whitworth, MD, said at the annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference, held by Physicians’ Education Resource.
Breast surgeons are qualified to help counsel patients, and, in fact, already order more than half of breast cancer genetic sequencing, a specialist survey reveals, said Dr. Whitworth, director of the Nashville (Tenn.) Breast Center, in a video interview.
At the same time, the one genotype–one phenotype paradigm for cancer genetics is rapidly shifting to testing patients for a whole panel of mutations simultaneously. Breast surgeons can partner with genetic counselors to support and expand the reach of this vital medical testing and counseling to more patients, he added.
Dr. Whitworth receives research grant support from and is a shareholder in Targeted Medical Education. He is also a shareholder in Advantage Consulting and Education.