Breast Surgeons Live
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Session Title:
Population-based vs Guideline-directed Germline Genetic Testing: Which approach is best?
Date & Time:
October 06, 2026, 7:00 PM–7:45 PM ET
Length:
45 Minutes
CME Deadline:
October 6, 2027
This activity is open to members only:
Log InTarget Audience:
Surgeons and other healthcare providers with a special interest in the treatment of breast disease and/or hereditary cancer.
Objectives:
At the end of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the pros and cons of population-based germline genetic testing.
- Develop a plan for who they will offer germline genetic testing to in their own clinical practice.
Description:
The role of germline genetic testing in patients at risk for hereditary breast cancer continues to evolve as testing becomes more accessible and indications expand beyond traditional guideline-based criteria. While several professional organizations now support broader testing strategies, questions remain regarding clinical utility, implementation, cost-effectiveness, and the impact on surgical decision-making. This debate-format webinar will review the evidence supporting population-based versus guideline-directed genetic testing and explore how each approach influences contemporary breast surgical practice.
Agenda:
Welcome and Introduction
Moderator: Jennifer K. Plichta, MD, MS, FACS
Population-based Germline Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast Cancer: Who Is Being Missed by Guidelines and at What Cost
Amanda Woodworth, MD
Guideline-Directed Genetic Testing: Why a Selective Approach Remains Appropriate
Cory Donovan, MD
Faculty:
Moderator—Jennifer K. Plichta, MD, MS, FACS
Duke University
Durham, NC
Cory A. Donovan, MD
Legacy Health
Portland, OR
Amanda Woodworth, MD, FACS, CPE
Keck Medicine of USC
Santa Clarita, CA
References:
- Naaseh A, Tang SX, Maytin-Hevia AR, Wu N, Margenthaler JA. Are Broadened Guidelines Improving our Detection of Pathologic Genetic Mutations in Breast Cancer Patients? A 5-Year Comparative Analysis of American Society of Breast Surgeons and National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Oct;32(11):8485-8491. doi: 10.1245/s10434-025-17939-w. Epub 2025 Jul 22. PMID: 40696256.
- Tapiavala S, Liu Y, Roy S, Hensing W, Ademuyiwa FO, Cyr AE. Impact of National Society Guidelines and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines on Genetic Testing Use Among Patients with Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Jul 14. doi: 10.1245/s10434-025-17448-w. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40659892.
- Desai NV, Yadav S, Batalini F, Couch FJ, Tung NM. Germline genetic testing in breast cancer: Rationale for the testing of all women diagnosed by the age of 60 years and for risk-based testing of those older than 60 years. Cancer. 2021 Mar 15;127(6):828-833. doi: 10.1002/cncr.33305. Epub 2020 Nov 4. PMID: 33146899.
- Bedrosian I, Somerfield MR, Achatz MI, Boughey JC, Curigliano G, Friedman S, Kohlmann WK, Kurian AW, Laronga C, Lynce F, Norquist BS, Plichta JK, Rodriguez P, Shah PD, Tischkowitz M, Wood M, Yadav S, Yao K, Robson ME. Germline Testing in Patients With Breast Cancer: ASCO-Society of Surgical Oncology Guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2024 Feb 10;42(5):584-604. doi: 10.1200/JCO.23.02225. Epub 2024 Jan 4. PMID: 38175972.
- Manahan ER, Kuerer HM, Sebastian M, Hughes KS, Boughey JC, Euhus DM, Boolbol SK, Taylor WA. Consensus Guidelines on Genetic` Testing for Hereditary Breast Cancer from the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Ann Surg Oncol. 2019 Oct;26(10):3025-3031. doi: 10.1245/s10434-019-07549-8. Epub 2019 Jul 24. PMID: 31342359; PMCID: PMC6733830.
Disclosures:
coming soon
