How men view genetic testing for prostate cancer risk: findings from focus groups.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the values, beliefs, and attitudes that influence a man's intention to undergo or defer genetic testing for prostate cancer risk.


METHODS
Qualitative, using focus group interviews 12 focus groups were conducted to identify key values and beliefs about genetic testing for prostate cancer risk in anticipation of its future availability.


METHODS
Medium-sized, mid-west, US city.


METHODS
Community sample of 90 lay men of diverse educational, ethnic, and age backgrounds.


METHODS
Descriptive statistics and immersion/crystallization to identify themes and sub-themes.


RESULTS
The major areas of concern were distilled into the following. THEMES: beliefs about consequences, expectations, benefits for patients, beliefs about barriers, and susceptibility concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Identifying these men's values will help health professionals anticipate the informational and ethical needs of patients in the informed consent process. Men will need to understand how such testing may affect their planning regarding future prostate health, and how medical information is used outside of the physician patient relationship.
Doukas
D J
DJ
Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine, Center for Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. ddoukas@mail.med.upenn.edu
Fetters
M D
MD
Coyne
J C
JC
McCullough
L B
LB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003710:Demography; D004493:Education; D005006:Ethnicity; D017144:Focus Groups; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States