A study in Genetics in Medicine considers the benefits and costs of instituting a policy that mandates routine screening for Lynch syndrome.
The researchers interviewed physicians that manage Lynch syndrome or colorectal cancer patients, including surgeons, oncologists, primary care physicians and gastroenterologists.
Here's what you need to know:
1. Overall, the physicians supported a universal reflex-testing program, which they believe would improve the identification and management of patients with Lynch syndrome.
2. The physicians also felt a reflex-testing program would help to standardize the increasing use of genomic tests in medical practices and would accrue public health benefits over time.
3. However, some felt that universal testing was not appropriate, and that patients should have the ability to opt out of testing. Concerns about universal testing included patient distress and insurance discrimination.