(CNN) The current guidelines for genetic testing of breast cancer patients limit the number of women who can get tested. The guidelines are two decades oldThe guidelines for the genetic testing of breast cancer patients were established about 20 years ago by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network , a nonprofit alliance of 28 cancer centers dedicated to improving patient care, explained Beitsch, who is a co-founder of the TME Breast Care Network, a nonprofit focused exclusively on advancing treatment for breast cancer patients. Among 959 study participants, all underwent a full panel of DNA testing for hereditary breast cancer. One study, for example, suggests that fewer than one in five people who meet National Cancer Comprehensive Network criteria and have a history of breast cancer have actually undergone genetic testing. Based on his new research, Beitsch cherishes a more modest hope that at the very least all breast cancer patients will be offered and reimbursed for genetic testing, and perhaps, the same for all cancer patients.

Source: CNN December 10, 2018 13:07 UTC