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In 2015, 22.9% of females aged 18 years and older with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer had discussed the possibility of getting a genetic test for cancer risk.
Background
Genetic testing looks for specific inherited changes in a person’s DNA (or genetic mutations) that may increase a person’s chance of developing a disease such as cancer. Genetic testing should be considered if personal or family history suggests an inherited cancer risk condition. The test results can help guide a person’s future medical care.
A genetic counselor is a health professional who has special training in medical genetics and counseling. Any person who is considering genetic testing should speak with a genetic counselor before deciding whether to be tested. Genetic counselors can also discuss the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing for individuals to help them understand their situation.
Measure
Percentage of females aged 18 years and older with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer who had discussed the possibility of getting a genetic test for cancer risk with a doctor or other health professional, 2005-2015.
Percentage of adults aged 18 years and older with a personal history of colorectal cancer who had discussed the possibility of getting a genetic test for cancer risk with a doctor or other health professional, by sex, 2005-2015.
Percentage of adults aged 18 years and older with a personal history of colorectal cancer who had a genetic test for cancer risk, by sex, 2005-2015.
Data Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Health Interview Survey NCI and CDC co-sponsored Cancer Control Supplement, 2005-2015.
Refer to the Data Sources page for more information about data collection years 2019+.
Healthy People 2030 Target
- (Developmental Objective) Increase the proportion of women with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer who receive genetic counseling.
- (Research Objective) Increase the proportion of persons with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer who receive genetic testing to identify Lynch syndrome or familial colorectal cancer syndromes.
Healthy People 2030 is a set of goals set forth by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Note: Healthy People 2030 Developmental and Research Objectives do not have targets, so there is no target line on the Detailed Trend Graphs. Learn more about different types of Healthy People Objectives.
Trends and Most Recent Estimates
Breast and Ovarian Cancer
| Overview Graph | Detailed Trend Graphs | Most Recent Estimates (2015) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percent of females | 95% Confidence Interval | ||
 |
Discussed the Possibility of a Genetic Test for Cancer Risk |
22.9 | 12.8 - 37.6 |
| ¹ Analysis includes females who met the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines based on family history of breast and ovarian cancer. | |||
Colorectal Cancer
Genetic Counseling
| Overview Graph | Detailed Trend Graphs | Most Recent Estimates (2015) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percent of adults with personal history of colorectal cancer | 95% Confidence Interval | ||
 |
Both Sexes |
10.3 | 6.0 - 17.1 |
Male |
7.6 | 3.3 - 16.6 | |
Female |
12.6 | 6.2 - 23.9 | |
Genetic Testing
| Overview Graph | Detailed Trend Graphs | Most Recent Estimates (2015) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percent of adults with personal history of colorectal cancer | 95% Confidence Interval | ||
 |
Both Sexes |
6.1 | 2.9 - 12.3 |
Male |
2.0 | 0.7 - 5.4 | |
Female |
9.8 | 4.3 - 21.1 | |
Additional Information on Genetic Testing
- The Genetics of Cancer. National Cancer Institute.
- Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Susceptibility Syndromes. National Cancer Institute.
- Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk. American Society of Clinical Oncology.
- Cancer Genetics Overview (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. National Cancer Institute.
- Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment and Counseling (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. National Cancer Institute.
- Prevalence of Americans reporting a family history of cancer indicative of increased cancer risk: Estimates from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Kumerow MT, Rodriguez JL, Dai S, Kolor K, Rotunno M, Peipins LA. Prev Med. 2022;159:107062.
- Risk Assessment, Genetic Counseling, and Genetic Testing for BRCA-Related Cancer. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Owens DK, Davidson KW, et al. JAMA 2019; 322(7): 652-65.
- NCCN Guidelines Insights: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Version 2.2019. Gupta S, Provenzale D, Llor X, et al. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2019 Sep 1;17(9):1032-1041.
- Genetic/familial high-risk assessment: breast and ovarian, version 2.2015. Daly MB, Pilarski R, Axilbund JE, et al. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2016; 14(12): 153-62.