Report: Cancer Genetic Test Gets More Affordable



The price tag of genetic tests for breast and ovarian cancer can reach thousands of dollars. What if genetic testing was cheaper? California-based Color Genomics has launched a $249 genetic test that can be done at home and analyzes a saliva sample for mutations in the breast cancer gene BRCA1 and BRCA2, which identify a woman's risk for cancer, according to U.S. News & World Report. "Color's goal is to democratize access to genetic testing, starting with breast and ovarian cancer risk testing," Elad Gil, one of the company's co-founders, told NPR Health. This could mean greater accessibility for genetic testing among Latinas. Latinas are 20% more likely to die from breast cancer than white non-Hispanic women at the same age and stage. Yet genetic testing isn't as common among ...

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Latinas Interested in Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Risk, But Barriers Persist



Latinas tend to have positive attitudes and strong interest in genetic testing for breast cancer risk, yet lacked general knowledge about testing, its risks and benefits, according to a new study led by researchers at the Institute for Health Promotion Research (IHPR) at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, the team behind SaludToday. The study, published recently in the journal Community Medicine & Health Education, conducted focus groups with 58 Latinas in Hidalgo County, a largely Latino part of South Texas. Researchers used analyzed focus group responses and themes and uncovered several cultural factors, such as religious beliefs, that impacted Latinas’ decisions to get genetic testing. “Key Latino values—religiosity, importance of family and the influential ...

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