Factors Associated with Interest in Gene-Panel Testing and Risk Communication Preferences in Women from BRCA1/2 Negative Families

Kristina G. Flores, Laurie E. Steffen, Christopher J. McLouth, Belinda E. Vicuña, Amanda Gammon, Wendy Kohlmann, Lucretia Vigil, Zoneddy R. Dayao, Melanie E. Royce, Anita Y. Kinney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Scientific advances have allowed the development of multiplex gene-panels to assess many genes simultaneously in women who have tested negative for BRCA1/2. We examined correlates of interest in testing for genes that confer modest and moderate breast cancer risk and risk communication preferences for women from BRCA negative families. Female first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients who tested negative for BRCA1/2 mutations (N = 149) completed a survey assessing multiplex genetic testing interest and risk communication preferences. Interest in testing was high (70 %) and even higher if results could guide risk-reducing behavior changes such as taking medications (79 %). Participants preferred to receive genomic risk communications from a variety of sources including: primary care physicians (83 %), genetic counselors (78 %), printed materials (71 %) and the web (60 %). Factors that were independently associated with testing interest were: perceived lifetime risk of developing cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 1.67: 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.06–2.65) and high cancer worry (OR = 3.12: CI 1.28–7.60). Findings suggest that women from BRCA1/2 negative families are a unique population and may be primed for behavior change. Findings also provide guidance for clinicians who can help develop genomic risk communications, promote informed decision making and customize behavioral interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)480-490
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016, National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc.

Keywords

  • BRCA1/2 negative
  • Gene-panel
  • Genetic testing
  • Hereditary breast cancer
  • Informed decision-making

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics(clinical)

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