28579 – PERFORMANCE OF BREAST SURGEONS IN MANAGING HEREDITARY PREDISPOSITION TO CANCER

Abstract

Introduction: Genetic testing is a highly relevant tool for the management and treatment of neoplasms, particularly
breast cancer, due to its high hereditary predisposition to cancer (HPC) — accounting for around 10% of all cases. In this
context, the American Society of Clinical Oncology emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals’ awareness of
hereditary cancer risk in clinical practice and aims to prevent it. However, multi-gene panel testing becomes challenging
due to the presence of pathogenic mutations with undefined risks and a high rate of variants of uncertain significance
(VUS). Thus, this analysis of knowledge in HPC among breast surgeons is presented. Methodology: A survey was conducted through major media channels (email and WhatsApp groups) using an online questionnaire created with Google
Forms. The target audience of the research was breast surgeons. Questions addressed the social profile of each professional (years of experience, workplace), as well as their knowledge about HPC (level of suspicion, request, and interpretation
of the test). Conclusion: After analyzing the survey, it was concluded that although the vast majority of breast surgeons
have suspected HPC, 20% do not request genetic testing, and 10% do not understand the meaning of the main genetic
variants of breast cancer, revealing a notable lack of knowledge. Furthermore, it is concerning to practice oncogenetics
without patient counseling. Therefore, it is of great importance that teaching and updating tools are implemented.