Awareness and utilization of genetic testing for hereditary cancers in cancer survivors: a cross-sectional 2021...

We aimed to identify factors associated with genetic testing awareness and use among a large sample of US cancer survivors participating in NCI's Health Information National Trends Survey of cancer survivors identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, a unique pilot study expanding the number of cancer survivors typically captured by HINTS.

We analyzed 2021 HINTS-SEER data to determine sociodemographic factors associated with awareness and utilization of germline genetic testing using survey-weight-adjusted multivariable logistic regression.

Of 1232 survivors (any site), the majority had breast (23%) or prostate (23%) cancer. Among the overall study population, 77% were aware of and 24% utilized genetic testing. Females and those with a college education, income over $100,000, or family history of cancer had greater odds of awareness compared to males, those with less than college education, income under $20,000, or no family history, respectively. Among prostate cancer survivors, those ≥ 65 years in age had lower odds of awareness. Females and the privately insured had greater odds of utilization compared to males and publicly insured, respectively. Those ≥ 65 years or retired had lower odds of utilization compared to < 65 years and being employed, respectively.

We identified sociodemographic factors associated with awareness and utilization of germline genetic testing among cancer survivors. Findings warrant further investigation to understand mechanisms underlying disparities in awareness and use of genetic testing.

This study highlights cancer survivor populations that may require additional support around awareness of and use of germline genetic testing.