How Expanding Access to Genetic Testing Can Help Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Families

Research is essential to keep improving how cancer is prevented, detected, diagnosed, and treated. Because of clinical trials and other research studies, people with cancer are living longer with a better quality of life. The American Cancer Society (ACS) is proud to be the largest non-government funder of cancer research in the United States. ACS currently supports more than $100 million in breast cancer research alone.

ACS highlights the groundbreaking work of Dr. Steven Katz, MD, MPH, professor of health management and policy at the University of Michigan. Dr. Katz is an ACS grantee. His research has focused on expanding access to genetic counseling and testing for breast cancer patients and their families.

As a nationally recognized expert in cancer communication, decision-making, and survivorship care, Dr. Katz has dedicated his career to improving the quality of the patient experience.

A groundbreaking study

Some people inherit changes in certain genes, called gene mutations. Some gene changes can increase a person's risk for cancer. Genetic testing can look for known mutations in some of these genes.

With funding support from ACS, Dr. Katz's team leads the GIFT (Genetic Information and Family Testing) study. This study identifies patients with inherited breast cancer risk, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The study also offers genetic testing for their families.

This research empowers families to understand their personal cancer risk based on their family history. The study also helps improve access to preventive care, such as cancer screening tests for early detection. In addition, it helps educate people diagnosed with cancer to make more informed decisions about treatment and early detection for other cancers.

Dr. Katz said that ACS support has allowed his team to transform how breast cancer survivors navigate treatment and survivorship.

"Funding our research ensures that breakthroughs in science translate into real-world benefits," Dr. Katz said.

The importance of genetic testing

In his 2024 paper in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Dr. Katz and his co-authors discussed the challenges and opportunities in genetic testing and communication. His study found that breast cancer survivors who go through genetic testing are more likely to share important results with their families. This gives relatives important information about inherited cancer risk. It can also help prevent and detect cancer earlier among loved ones.

"Genetic counseling and testing are powerful tools, not only for patients but for their families," Dr. Katz said.

Dr. Katz's research shows how important it is for all breast cancer survivors to have access to genetic testing services, regardless of their background. These services can help them make informed decisions and protect their families.

"By linking research directly to patient and family experiences, Dr. Katz has created new opportunities to improve cancer care and prevention for generations to come. Dr. Katz's work exemplifies the American Cancer Society's commitment to funding research that directly impacts patients' lives and addresses critical gaps in care," said Dr. Christina Annunziata, senior vice president of extramural discovery science at the American Cancer Society.

By investing in leading scientists like Dr. Katz, ACS continues to drive progress in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. Researchers like Dr. Katz are helping ACS reach our ultimate goal of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.