Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2010
Mentor: Celette Skinner, Heidi Hamann
Department: Clinical Sciences
Room number: E5.506, EP A.114
Mail Code: 9066, 9044
Phone number: 214-648-5499, 214-648-4321
E-mail: celette.skinner@utsouthwestern.edu, heidi.hamann@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Genetic testing uptake and breast/ovarian cancer risk management
among racially/ethnically and economically diverse women seen for genetic counseling
through Parkland Hospital
Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 032010-004
Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):
Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects): patient-based
Brief Description of Project:
Discoveries of cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have ushered in a new era in which genetic counseling, genetic testing and cancer risk management are important components of oncology care. Despite the importance of studying genetic testing uptake and cancer risk management among higher risk women, there is a wide gap in knowledge of these issues among medically underserved populations. Parkland Hospital in Dallas provides an ideal setting to study a racially/ethnically and economically diverse population of cancer genetics patients. The primary objectives of this pilot study are to use a retrospective medical record audit to characterize the population, examine genetic testing uptake, and investigate cancer risk management practices among women seen for breast/ovarian cancer genetic counseling at Parkland Hospital. This study is an important step toward identifying racial/ethnic and economic disparities in genetic testing and cancer risk management. Results from this study can help identify underserved, high-risk women who would benefit from interventions to increase use of cancer risk management practices.
Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students: see attached