Attitudes of high-risk women toward preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the knowledge and attitudes toward preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of women who have been personally affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.


METHODS
A 33-item quantitative survey covering five domains, including demographics, knowledge and attitudes about PGD, usage of PGD, and informational needs.


METHODS
Attendees of a national conference for individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer participated in the survey.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Frequencies and proportions were summarized for all variables, and Fisher's exact tests were conducted to test association between two discrete variables.


RESULTS
Of the women surveyed, only 32% had ever heard of PGD before taking the survey. None of the women surveyed had actually used PGD, and 44% believed they would not use it in the future. However, 57% of attendees believed that PGD was an acceptable option for high-risk individuals, and 74% believed that high-risk individuals should be given information about PGD.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care professionals who serve cancer patients should consider incorporating information about PGD into patient education. Further research is needed to survey physicians and genetic counselors about their knowledge and opinions of PGD.
Quinn
Gwendolyn
G
University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA. Gwen.Quinn@moffitt.org
Vadaparampil
Susan
S
Wilson
Crystal
C
King
Lindsey
L
Choi
Jimin
J
Miree
Cheryl
C
Friedman
Sue
S
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D004522:Educational Status; D005060:Europe; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D017533:Marital Status; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult