title: Exploring the cancer risk perception and interest in genetic services among Indigenous people in Queensland, Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to explore the levels of interest among Indigenous people with cancer in identifying cancer risk in their family and seeking genetic counselling/testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey of Indigenous cancer patients recruited from four major treating hospitals in Queensland. Participants' family history of cancer and interest in genetic counselling/testing was sought using a structured questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 73.0% of 252 participants reported having a family history of cancer; of those, 52.8% had at least one first-degree relative with cancer. A total of 68.3% of participants indicated concern about relatives being affected by cancer and 54.4% of participants indicated they would like to assess the cancer risk in their family with a specialist. Concern was associated with willingness to discuss the risk of cancer with a specialist (p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Indigenous cancer patients do have a family history of cancer and appear willing to undergo genetic counselling/investigation. It is of great concern that this population could miss the benefits of the technological advances in health care, creating a much larger disparity in health outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health service providers should not assume that Indigenous cancer patients will not follow their recommendations when referred to genetic counselling/investigation services.
authors.affiliation: Epidemiology and Health Systems Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Queensland.
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bernardes
authors.forename: Patricia C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Valery
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Garvey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D033142:Genetic Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011793:Queensland; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Indigenous; cancer; genetic services