Genetic testing and surgical treatment after breast cancer diagnosis: Results from a national online cohort

Background Genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer has implications for breast cancer decision‐making. We examined genetic testing rates, factors associated with testing, and the relationship between genetic testing and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). Methods Patients with breast cancer (2000–2015) from The Health of Women Study were identified and categorized as low, moderate, or high‐likelihood of the genetic mutation using a previously published scale based on period‐relevant national guidelines incorporating age and family history. Genetic testing and CPM rates were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Among 4170 patients (median age 56‐years), 38% were categorized as high‐likelihood of having a genetic mutation. Among high‐likelihood women, 67% underwent genetic testing, the odds of which were increased among women of higher‐education and White‐race (p