Publication Date

Spring 2025

Abstract

This paper investigates the accessibility and equity of BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing in Switzerland and the United States—two high-income nations with vastly different healthcare models. While genetic testing for breast cancer prevention has the potential to save lives through early detection and targeted interventions, access to such services remains uneven. This study uses a comparative approach to analyze how healthcare systems, insurance structures, psychological barriers, genetic literacy, and the vocational mobility of genetic counseling shape the extent to which individuals can access BRCA testing. Primary data were collected through expert interviews with a Swiss health economist and a French genetic counselor working in Switzerland. Secondary data were drawn from scientific literature, government sources, and professional organizations. Findings reveal that Switzerland's universal health coverage provides a foundation for access but is undermined by cantonal disparities, language barriers, and a lack of professional recognition for genetic counselors. In contrast, the United States leads in professional development but is hindered by fragmented insurance coverage and systemic mistrust in the healthcare system rooted in historical discrimination. This research concludes that meaningful access to BRCA testing requires more than economic resources—it demands inclusive policies, culturally competent care, and equitable professional infrastructures. The study recommends expanding genetic equity through targeted reforms and further cross-national inquiry.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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