title: Parent opinions regarding the genetic testing of minors for BRCA1/2.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although not currently recommended, genetic testing of minors for adult hereditary cancer syndromes, along with risks and benefits, is still being debated. Thus, we evaluated parent opinions regarding BRCA1/2 testing of minors, in general, and hypothetically, for parents' own minor child.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semistructured interviews were conducted to assess parent opinions regarding BRCA1/2 testing in minors, along with parent rationale for and factors associated with these opinions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 246 parents at two academic cancer risk assessment programs who underwent BRCA1/2 testing completed the interview (60% response rate). In response to a dichotomous question, 37% of parents supported testing minors. Responses to an open-ended query suggest that 47% support testing minors in some or all circumstances. Parent negative BRCA1/2 test result (P = .02), parent male sex (P = .03), and minority race (P = .01) were independently associated with support of testing minors. In response to a dichotomous question, 44% of parents reported hypothetical interest in testing their own minor offspring. Responses to an open-ended query suggest that 55% would consider, hypothetically, testing their child in some or all circumstances. Parent negative test result (P = .01), less than a college education (P < .01), and older mean offspring age (P = .05) were associated with interest in testing one's own child.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parents' opinions regarding BRCA1/2 testing of minors are divided. Given the lack of evidence supporting either the permission or restriction of BRCA1/2 testing in minors, further evaluation of the risks and benefits of providing genetic risk information and genetic testing to minors for adult-onset disease is needed to inform clinical practice and guidelines.
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago,Chicago, IL, USA. Angela.Bradbury@fccc.edu
authors.forename: Angela R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bradbury
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Patrick-Miller
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Egleston
authors.forename: Colleen Burke
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Sands
authors.forename: Tianyu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schmidheiser
authors.forename: Maia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Feigon
authors.forename: Comfort N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Ibe
authors.forename: Fay J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Hlubocky
authors.forename: Kisha
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hope
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corbman
authors.forename: Olufunmilayo I
authors.initials: OI
authors.lastname: Olopade
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Daly
authors.forename: Christopher K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Daugherty
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033242:Minors; D009154:Mutation; D010290:Parents