(August 22, 2017) The Journal of Clinical Oncology recently published a study about the unmet need of genetic testing in women with breast and ovarian cancer. Women who fit eligibility criteria from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) took surveys focusing on discussions about genetic testing with a health professional, being advised to have genetic testing done, and actually having genetic testing done. 0.4% of the over 47,000 women surveyed had a history of ovarian cancer. In that subgroup, 15.1% had discussed it with a professional, 13.1% were advised to have genetic testing done, and 10.5% were actually tested. The study concluded that fewer than one in five women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, included in the NCCN criteria, have had genetic testing. The study’s authors estimate that 1.2 to 1.3 million women do not receive genetic testing and advocate for a national action to fulfill this need.
Related Topics
OCRA Sponsors NCCN Guidelines for Cervical, Ovarian, and Uterine Cancer Patients
This article was updated in April 2026 to reflect NCCN’s release of the 2026 Guidelines for Uterine Cancer Patients. OCRA is a proud sponsor of the 2026 Patient Guidelines for Cervical Cancer and Uterine Cancer, and the 2025 Patient Guidelines for Ovarian. We believe ensuring access to clear, understandable information is critical. NCCN provides wonderful … Continued
FDA Approves Lifyorli Plus Abraxane for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
On March 25, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lifyorli (relacorilant), made by Corcept Therapeutics, in combination with Abraxane (nab-paclitaxel) for adults with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have received one to three prior lines of treatment, including prior Avastin (bevacizumab). The approval follows last month’s FDA … Continued
The Overview: March 2026
OCRA’s Annual Advocacy Day Draws Survivors and Caregivers from Across the Country More than 120 gynecologic cancer survivors, caregivers, researchers and supporters from nearly forty states filled the halls of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, March 17—dressed in teal, the color of ovarian cancer awareness—as Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) held its annual Spring Advocacy Day. The … Continued