BRCA genetic test results provide important information to manage cancer risk for patients and their families. Little is known on the communication of genetic test results by mutation status with family members and physicians in the oncology care setting. As part of a longitudinal study evaluating the impact of genetic counseling and testing among recently diagnosed breast cancer patients, we collected patients' self-reported patterns of disclosure. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample and determined the prevalence of disclosure of BRCA test results to family members and physicians. Of 100 patients who completed the baseline and the 6-month followup survey, 77 reported pursuing testing. The majority shared test results with female first-degree relatives; fewer did with males. Participants were more likely to share results with oncologists compared to surgeons, primary care physicians, or other specialty physicians. These findings suggest that while breast cancer patients may communicate results to at-risk female family members and their medical oncologist, they may need education and support to facilitate communication to other first-degree relatives and providers. 1. Introduction Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA) genes place individuals at higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, compared to those without a mutation [1, 2]. A recent study of cancer risks in BRCA mutation carriers in a large US-based sample estimated the cumulative breast cancer risk at age 70 years to be 46% in BRCA1 carriers and 43% in BRCA2 carriers. Cumulative ovarian cancer risk was 39% in BRCA1 carriers and 22% in BRCA2 carriers [3]. Although less well-established, elevated cancer risks in men from BRCA families have been reported in male breast cancer (6–8%) [4–10] and prostate cancer (20–30%) [5, 8, 10–27]. Individuals who undergo genetic testing and discover that they carry a BRCA mutation can manage their cancer risk through intensive screening, prophylactic surgery, and/or chemoprevention [28–31]. Criteria set forth by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network to identify and refer breast cancer patients to a genetics professional [32] include a personal history of early onset breast cancer (i.e., diagnosed ≤ age 50), triple negative breast cancer, and/or ≥ 2 primary cancers. Women diagnosed with breast cancer at any age may also be referred when there is a family history of early onset breast cancer, ovarian cancer at any age, and/or male breast cancer. Additionally, women with a family history of breast cancer and cancers considered to be part
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