Important Facts for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Definition

The rate of breast or ovarian cancer incidence in Utah or U.S. per 100,000 females.

Numerator

The number of breast or ovarian cancer cases among Utah or U.S. for a specified time period.

Denominator

The female population of Utah or U.S. for a specified time period.

Why Is This Important?

Hereditary cancer syndromes are genetic predispositions for certain types of cancer that can be passed down through generations. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) is caused by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and is associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA mutations increase a woman's risk of breast cancer by 45-65% and ovarian cancer by 10-39%.^1^ Men with BRCA mutations are also at an increased risk for breast cancer, especially if they have a BRCA2 mutation.^1^ While hereditary cancers only account for about 10% of all cancers, people with family history of hereditary cancers are at higher risk for getting cancer more than once in their lifetimes, more likely to get cancer at a younger age, and more likely to be diagnosed when the cancer is at a later, more advanced stage.^2^ [[br]] [[br]] ---- 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, Mar 06). More detailed information on key tier 1 applications - Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). [https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/implementation/toolkit/hboc_1.htm] [[br]] 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, Aug 03). Cancer genomics program. [[https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/about/genomics/index.htm]

Healthy People Objective G-1:

Increase the proportion of women with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer who receive genetic counseling
U.S. target: 38.1 percent

Other Objectives

'''Utah Cancer Action Network Targets for Change:'''[[br]] Reduce the rate of breast cancer diagnosed at an advanced (regional or distant) stage among women ages 40 to 74. [[br]] '''Utah 2020 Target:''' 80 per 100,000 women

How Are We Doing?

Female breast cancer incidence under age 50 has not significantly changed over the years, however ovarian cancer incidence has increased in recent years.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

Throughout the years, the Utah female breast cancer under age 50 incidence rate has been consistently lower than the U.S. rate. Ovarian cancer rate has continually fluctuated over the years with some years experiencing greater rates than the U.S. rate and some years lower.

What Is Being Done?

The Utah Cancer Genomics Program (UCGP) collaborates with community organizations and health systems to provide public/provider education, improve referral processes, and improve access to genetic counseling and testing. These organizations reach many populations throughout the state and provide a variety of services. The UCGP holds and annual Request for Proposals (RFP) competitive application process and awards funding to innovative projects that have the potential to drive Policy, Systems, and Environmental change in public awareness of Family Health History and referral to and uptake of appropriate genetic services. This mini-grant enables strong partnerships between the UCGP and health systems, clinics, and community-based organizations and expands the program's reach into the community. In addition, the UCGP participates in the Utah Cancer Action Network (UCAN), a statewide partnership whose goal is to reduce the burden of cancer. The mission of UCAN is to lower cancer incidence and mortality in Utah through collaborative efforts directed toward cancer prevention and control. As a result of this planning process, objectives and strategies have been developed by community partners regarding the early detection of cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers and separate cancer genomics collaboration opportunities are also available.

Health Program Information

In 2014 the Utah Department of Health received funding from the CDC to implement a program focused on addressing the cancer burden associated with hereditary cancer syndromes. The UCGP continues to receive funding from the CDC for surveillance, education, improving access to and referrals to genetic services, and bolstering partnerships with healthcare organizations, non-profit organizations, and other community organizations.