Overcoming Racial Disparities in Genetic Testing

In a new article published in Everyday Health, experts spoke about the disparities Black Americans face when diagnosed with ovarian cancer, exploring reasons why these disparities may exist, and offering recommendations for Black individuals who are diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

In particular, Black Americans should be aware of the importance of genetic testing not only to prevent ovarian cancer, but to optimize treatment. Says Dr. Elena Ratner, gynecologic oncologist at Yale Cancer Center, “If you don’t know your underlying genetic test results, you can’t be offered life-preserving or lifesaving therapy.”

OCRA offers free genetic testing kits to individuals who qualify. Complete a quick questionnaire to determine your eligibility.

Sarah DeFeo, OCRA’s Chief Program Officer, espoused the benefits of finding a support system of people from a patient’s own community who can relate. She noted that OCRA’s Woman to Woman program creates peer matches based on “whatever criteria are most important to those signing up,” including factors like racial or ethnic background, and personal experiences involving genetic testing.

Read the full Everyday Health article from Margot Slade, “What Black Women with Ovarian Cancer Need to Know About Genetic Testing.”