Breast Cancer Genetics Referral Screening Tool

The Breast Cancer Genetics Referral Screening Tool (B-RST) is designed to quickly identify which patients should be referred for cancer genetic counseling to formally evaluate their family history and discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer.

Background

• B-RST is a screening tool that helps identify people who may have a strong genetic (hereditary) risk for breast and ovarian cancer due to their family history.
• This screening tool is NOT designed to decide who should get genetic testing for Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer (BRCA genetic testing), but to identify who should be referred for cancer genetic counseling to better understand their risks and options.
• The B-RST was tested in a large group of women, and found to have very good accuracy. However, as with most screening tools, it will not identify all women who might be at risk for Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer.
• Some people who have a positive B-RST screen may learn through cancer genetic counseling that BRCA genetic testing is not right for them.