Abstract
Genetic testing for susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer (BRCA1/2 testing) has been available in clinical settings since 1996. Increasingly, such testing is helping women at increased risk make decisions about breast cancer screening and prevention. African American women have participated in genetic counseling and testing programs less than white women, despite greater rates of early onset disease and higher breast cancer mortality. The barriers and motivations for genetic testing among African American women are not well understood. This Issue Brief summarizes a series of studies that systematically explore African American women's beliefs and intentions about BRCA1/2 testing. The findings have been used to tailor genetic counseling programs to better serve this population.
MeSH terms
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Attitude to Health / ethnology
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Black People* / genetics
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Black People* / psychology
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Black People* / statistics & numerical data
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Black or African American* / genetics
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Black or African American* / psychology
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Black or African American* / statistics & numerical data
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Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
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Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology
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Breast Neoplasms / genetics
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Breast Neoplasms / psychology
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Cultural Characteristics
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Female
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Genes, BRCA1
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Genes, BRCA2
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Genetic Counseling* / psychology
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Genetic Counseling* / statistics & numerical data
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Genetic Markers
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
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Genetic Testing* / methods
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Genetic Testing* / psychology
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Genetic Testing* / statistics & numerical data
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Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
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Humans
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Patient Acceptance of Health Care
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Risk Factors
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United States