Health Care System Factors for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Health Care System Factors

According to data collected by the Utah Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems (BRFSS), screening rates for all Utahns remain lower than the national average and lower than the target rates set by the Utah State Cancer Plan (76%). Additionally, use of mammography is lower among women without health insurance compared to women with health insurance. Coverage of preventive breast cancer screening tests such as mammography and clinical breast exams is required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Similarly, genetic testing for BRCA1/2 is required without patient cost-sharing under the ACA for women with a family history of HBOC. Screening is vital in diagnosing potential hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, so it is important to examine the potential barriers to screening for Utah women.