OCRF Invited to Participate in Important New National Research Initiative

03/06/2012

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent volunteer panel of non-government experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine, is composed of primary care providers (such as internists, pediatricians, family physicians, gynecologists/obstetricians, and nurses). This prestigious group conducts rigorous scientific reviews of a broad range of clinical preventive health care services (such as screening, counseling, and use of preventive medications) to assess the strength of evidence of the risks and benefits of treatments and diagnostic tests, and develops accurate, up-to-date, relevant recommendations for primary care clinicians and health systems. These recommendations are published as “Recommendation Statements” and have formed the basis for clinical standards in medical practice.

The USPSTF has launched a new initiative on Genetic Risk Assessment and BRCA Mutation Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility. As an organization with expertise in this topic, OCRF has been invited to participate and will be reviewing and providing input and feedback throughout the process. OCRF is pleased to help assess the merits of the BRCA gene mutation screening test as a preventive measure for ovarian cancer, help ensure that the final USPSTF recommendation is the most valid and useful, and help empower individuals, families and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions.

The USPSTF also posts its draft research plan for public comment. You can review the draft research plan and submit your comments until March 27th by clicking here.