Integrating Genetic Testing and HPV Vaccination in Prenatal Care

BRCA1 mutations dramatically increase the lifetime risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and other cancers, yet most BRCA1-positive patients are not identified until after they have been diagnosed with cancer. At prenatal visits, women often undergo obstetrical prenatal carrier screening that can identify hundreds of genetic mutations which can be passed on to offspring and results in an inherited condition — however, BRCA1 and other autosomal dominant mutations are not included on these screening panels. However, a recent publication (September 2024) and related commentaries have brought this screening possibility to the limelight. There is also new data about endorsing offering the HPV vaccine during the immediate postpartum admission. Is pregnancy becoming a “one-stop shop” ( a “window of opportunity”) for women’s care? OK podcast family I think I've set it up enough, now…let's get to it.