What Factors Impact upon a Woman's Decision to Undertake Genetic Cancer Testing?
Julie A Quinlivan1, Zain Battikhi2, Rodney W Petersen3
1North Metropolitan Health Service, Western Australian Department of Health , Perth, WA , Australia ; Institute of Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia , Fremantle, WA , Australia.
Frontiers in Oncology
|January 17, 2014
Summary
New mothers
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Cancer Research
- Public Health and Genetic Testing
Background:
- The Human Genome Project has enabled genetic tests for cancer risk, often marketed online.
- Limited data exists on factors influencing uptake of these genetic cancer tests.
- This study explores new mothers' attitudes towards a genetic cancer test with 50% predictive value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing new mothers' decisions to undergo genetic cancer testing.
- To understand the attitudes and knowledge of this demographic regarding genetic risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women who recently gave birth at an Australian hospital.
- Participants completed questionnaires on attitudes and knowledge regarding a theoretical genetic cancer blood test.
- Response rate was 86.2% (190/232 women).
Main Results:
- Only 31.5% of women surveyed indicated they would take the genetic cancer test.
- Factors associated with higher uptake included: no religious belief, higher education, better genetics knowledge, and no concern about discrimination.
- Previous acceptance of Down syndrome screening was also a significant predictor of uptake.
Conclusions:
- Key factors influencing the decision to undergo genetic cancer testing were concerns about discrimination and prior decisions regarding genetic screening.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing discrimination fears and leveraging previous screening experiences in genetic test promotion.
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