Interest in Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Risk: Associations with Genetic Familiarity, Self-Efficacy, and...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Public Health
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Hereditary cancer risk can be managed through genetic testing (GT).
• Limited genetic familiarity and self-efficacy may deter individuals from pursuing GT.
• Understanding factors influencing GT interest is crucial for improving uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationships between patient-reported genetic familiarity, genetic self-efficacy, sociodemographic characteristics, and interest in genetic testing.
• To identify key drivers influencing interest in genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk.

Main Methods:

• Utilized baseline data from the Early Detection of Genetic Risk (EDGE) survey (n=2,319).
• Sample included patients aged ≥25 from primary care clinics in Washington, Montana, and Wyoming.
• Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between sociodemographics, genetic familiarity/self-efficacy, and interest in GT.

Main Results:

• Higher genetic familiarity was strongly associated with increased interest in GT (aOR=2.67).
• Higher income and female sex were also positively associated with GT interest.
• Individuals over 65 years were less likely to be interested in GT (aOR=0.28).

Conclusions:

• Increasing basic genetic knowledge may enhance interest in and uptake of genetic testing.
• Findings can inform targeted educational strategies to improve hereditary cancer prevention and early detection.
• Addressing barriers to genetic familiarity is key to boosting testing rates.