Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Implementing Population-Based Genetic Screening for Gynaecological Cancers in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Gynaecological cancers, particularly ovarian cancer, remain a major global health burden, with many subtypes lacking reliable screening tools for early detection. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, contributing to poor survival outcomes. In this context, genomics offers a transformative approach to cancer prevention. Population-based genetic Screening (PBGS) for cancer susceptibility genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, RAD51D, and BRIP1 allows for the identification of at-risk individuals before disease onset[1,2]

Traditionally, genetic testing has been limited to individuals with a strong family history or specific clinical criteria. However, these methods fail to identify over 50% of carriers of pathogenic variants [2,3]. PBGS, which offers testing to unselected individuals, has demonstrated improved detection rates, greater equity, and better cost-effectiveness in comparison [3,4]. It enables the timely implementation of preventive strategies such as risk-reducing salpingo oophorectomy or enhanced surveillance, significantly reducing cancer incidence and mortality [4, 5]Conclusions: By providing extended and sustained pharmacological activity, these polymer based formulations perform better therapeutic action than conventional systems.