Ethnic differences in knowledge and attitudes about BRCA1 testing in women at increased risk

TLDR

Informed consent for BRCA1 testing requires adequate knowledge of inheritance patterns and the benefits, limitations, and risks of DNA testing. This study examined knowledge about breast cancer inheritance and attitudes toward genetic testing for breast–ovarian cancer susceptibility in women at increased risk. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed in 407 African American and Caucasian women aged 18–75 who had at least one first‑degree relative with breast and/or ovarian cancer. The study found an average knowledge score of 6.0/11, with African American women scoring lower yet showing more positive attitudes toward testing benefits, while attitudes about limitations and risks did not differ by ethnicity but were negatively associated with income, suggesting disparities may stem from differential exposure to genetic information and provider referral.

Abstract

Informed consent for BRCA1 mutation testing will require adequate knowledge of patterns of inheritance of cancer and the benefits, limitations, and risks of DNA testing. This study examined knowledge about the inheritance of breast cancer and attitudes about genetic testing for breast–ovarian cancer susceptibility in women at increased risk. Knowledge and attitudes were measured in 407 African American and Caucasian women aged 18–75 who had at least one first-degree relative (FDR) with breast and/or ovarian cancer. The average knowledge score was 6.0 out of a total of 11 (S.D.=2.15). Compared to Caucasian women, African American women had lower levels of knowledge and had more positive attitudes about the benefits of genetic testing. There were no significant ethnic differences in attitudes about the limitations and risks of testing, however, income was negatively associated with this outcome. Ethnic differences in knowledge and attitudes about genetic testing for breast–ovarian cancer risk may be attributable to differences in exposure to genetic information and referral by health care providers.