Myriad Genetics announces results from nationwide Cancer Risk Survey

Myriad Genetics announced results from its nationwide Cancer Risk Survey: Breast Cancer Edition, which revealed that a majority of women do not know that there is an increased risk of breast cancer for women with dense breasts. The survey, now in its third year, focused on understanding the role of breast density and cancer risk among women ages 18+ in the U.S. Key survey takeaways include: 44% of women do not understand breast density and 63% of women do not know there is a connection between breast density and cancer risk. Though dense breast tissue is normal, women who have it are at a slightly elevated risk for developing breast cancer. According to new FDA guidelines, by September 2024 all breast imaging facilities must alert patients by letter if they have dense breasts providing recommendations that they contact their care provider for follow-up and risk assessment. For women with dense breasts, additional screening methods such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended together with mammography to improve cancer detection rates. Only 66% of women believe that annual breast health checks are necessary. The survey revealed that 92% of women understand that detecting cancer early means they may have more treatment options and a higher chance for better outcomes. Despite this understanding, only 66% women believe annual breast health checks are necessary. 40% of women think they should receive additional screenings, like MRIs or ultrasounds, if they are identified to have dense breast tissue, but only 1/3 of those would consider genetic testing. These findings expose a critical gap in understanding, as insights gathered through genetic testing may reveal patients at increased risk that would benefit from additional screenings to identify cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. By combining genetic insights, family history and other clinical factors like breast density, MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test with RiskScore calculates a woman’s 5-year and remaining lifetime risk of breast cancer. If a woman is found to be at high risk, she then has multiple options available to her, including a change in medical management.