Men's values-based factors on prostate cancer risk genetic testing: a telephone survey.
BACKGROUND
While a definitive genetic test for Hereditary Prostate Cancer (HPC) is not yet available, future HPC risk testing may become available. Past survey data have shown high interest in HPC testing, but without an in-depth analysis of its underlying rationale to those considering it.


METHODS
Telephone computer-assisted interviews of 400 men were conducted in a large metropolitan East-coast city, with subsequent development of psychometric scales and their correlation with intention to receive testing.


RESULTS
Approximately 82% of men interviewed expressed that they "probably" or "definitely" would get genetic testing for prostate cancer risk if offered now. Factor analysis revealed four distinct, meaningful factors for intention to receive genetic testing for prostate cancer risk. These factors reflected attitudes toward testing and were labeled "motivation to get testing," "consequences and actions after knowing the test result," "psychological distress," and "beliefs of favorable outcomes if tested" (alpha = 0.89, 0.73, 0.73, and 0.60, respectively). These factors accounted for 70% of the total variability. The domains of motivation (directly), consequences (inversely), distress (inversely), and positive expectations (directly) all correlated with intention to receive genetic testing (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Men have strong attitudes favoring genetic testing for prostate cancer risk. The factors most associated with testing intention include those noted in past cancer genetics studies, and also highlights the relevance in considering one's motivation and perception of positive outcomes in genetic decision-making.
Doukas
David J
DJ
Family and Geriatric Medicine, and Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy, and Law, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. david.doukas@louisville.edu
Li
Yuelin
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data