High-Risk Palliative Care Patients' Knowledge and Attitudes about Hereditary Cancer Testing and DNA Banking

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Palliative care patients often have limited understanding of genetic testing's importance.
• Genetic testing for hereditary cancer susceptibility may be underutilized in end-of-life care settings.
• Limited research exists on genetic testing prevalence and attitudes in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of genetic testing among high-risk palliative care patients.
• To assess understanding of and attitudes toward hereditary cancer testing and DNA banking in this cohort.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for genetic testing and DNA banking in palliative care.

Main Methods:

• Structured interviews with palliative care in-patients diagnosed with cancer.
• Review of medical records to assess genetic testing and DNA banking history.
• Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and preferences regarding genetic services.

Main Results:

• 58.3% of high-risk patients reported prior genetic testing or referral.
• 70% of untested high-risk patients expressed willingness to undergo testing.
• Low awareness of DNA banking (95.8% heard little/nothing); high preference for written materials and clinician discussion.

Conclusions:

• Genetic testing services remain underutilized in end-of-life palliative care.
• Significant patient interest in hereditary cancer testing suggests unmet needs.
• Improving patient education and access to genetic counseling is crucial in palliative care settings.