BRCA1 and BRCA2 risk perceptions among African American women at increased risk for hereditary breast-ovarian cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To describe BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) risk perceptions among African American women at increased risk for hereditary breast-ovarian cancer and to identify factors having independent associations with these perceptions.


METHODS
Risk perceptions were evaluated by self-report during a structured telephone interview among African American women (n = 162) at increased risk for hereditary cancer who were recruited from oncology clinics, general medical practices, and community oncology resources.


RESULTS
The majority of women (75%) believed that it was likely that they had a BRCA1/2 mutation. Women ages 50 and younger and those with greater cancer-specific worry were most likely to believe that they had a BRCA1/2 mutation.


CONCLUSIONS
Although BRCA1/2 risk perceptions may be consistent with objective risk levels among African American women, discussion about the basis of risk perceptions may enhance provision of genetic counseling and testing in this population.
Kessler
Lisa
L
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Domchek
Susan
S
Stopfer
Jill
J
Halbert
Chanita Hughes
CH
D001741:Black or African American / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors