A recent study published in JAMA Network Open and reported by Newswise explores strategies to increase genetic testing for cancer risk in primary care settings ― an approach that could save lives through earlier detection, especially among patients with hereditary cancer risks.

Researchers led by Dr. Elizabeth Swisher at UW Medicine compared two methods for identifying patients who might benefit from genetic testing. The first approach invited patients to complete cancer risk assessments during clinic visits, while the second sent invitations to complete questionnaires at home.

The study revealed an important tradeoff: the in-clinic approach resulted in more patients completing risk assessments (19.1% vs 8.7%), but the at-home approach resulted in a higher percentage of eligible patients actually undergoing genetic testing (44.7% vs 24.7%).

These findings echo what we’ve seen in our Tu Historia Cuenta project, which has faced similar challenges in connecting high-risk Latina patients with genetic testing services.

As Dr. Swisher notes in their 3-state study in clinics serving primarily rural populations, genetic testing is often considered “too complicated” for primary care settings where providers are already overwhelmed – representing “an opportunity lost” for early detection.

The research highlights the importance of streamlined genetic testing pathways in community settings and underscores the need for system-level changes to make this lifesaving screening more accessible.

Have you read an article that our community should know about? Send us a message.

Related Links:

Newsletter with highlights from Tu Historia Cuenta

You can also find more information about the concerning gaps in access to genetic and genomic (tumor) testing in TLCI’s virtual Forum “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back – Advances and Barriers in Latina Breast Cancer” and in recent Breast Cancer Study Townhalls hosted by Stanford and TLCI.

Honoring Health, Research, and Resilience in May

Behind the progress: clinical trial participants, oncology nurses, and caregivers. May is a time to uplift voices often left out of the conversation—and to push for research and care that reflect the unique health challenges Latino men face.    

May Observances

• World Ovarian Cancer Day (May 8, 2025)
• Women’s Health Week (May 11-17, 2025) 
• Clinical Trials Day (May 20, 2025)  
• Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
• Brain Cancer Awareness Month
• Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month 
• National Cancer Research Month *
• Oncology Nursing Month 

*May is National Cancer Research Month

Spotlighting Cancer: An Unanswered Burden for Latino Men

The Latino Cancer Institute is turning attention to the urgent need for more inclusive cancer research—research that reflects the lived realities of Latino men.

Too often, Latino men are underrepresented in clinical studies, overlooked in outreach, and underserved when it comes to early detection and culturally responsive care. The result? Cancers like prostate, liver, and colorectal continue to take a heavy and often silent toll.

In 2025, TLCI’s Forum Series will focus on Latino Men’s Health and Cancer—elevating the voices of survivors, clinicians, and researchers who are pushing for answers and driving change. From confronting machismo to discussing food as medicine and digital access to care, we’ll explore what it takes to close the gaps and improve outcomes. Download the flyer for TLCI’s 2025 Forums.

Because without inclusive research, the burden stays unanswered.

Stay tuned for updates. Registration is now open!