title: Attitudes Toward Breast Cancer Genetic Testing in Five Special Population Groups.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined interest in and attitudes toward genetic testing in 5 different population groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  The survey included African American, Asian American, Latina, Native American, and Appalachian women with varying familial histories of breast cancer. A total of 49 women were interviewed in person. Descriptive and nonparametric statistical techniques were used to assess ethnic group differences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, interest in testing was high. All groups endorsed more benefits than risks. There were group differences regarding endorsement of specific benefits and risks: testing to "follow doctor recommendations" (p=0.017), "concern for effects on family" (p=0.044), "distrust of modern medicine" (p=0.036), "cost" (p=0.025), and "concerns about communication of results to others" (p=0.032). There was a significant inverse relationship between interest and genetic testing cost (p<0.050), with the exception of Latinas, who showed the highest level of interest regardless of increasing cost.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cost may be an important barrier to obtaining genetic testing services, and participants would benefit by genetic counseling that incorporates the unique cultural values and beliefs of each group to create an individualized, culturally competent program. Further research about attitudes toward genetic testing is needed among Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Appalachians for whom data are severely lacking. Future study of the different Latina perceptions toward genetic testing are encouraged.
authors: UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
authors: Amelie G
authors: AG
authors: Ramirez
authors: UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Chalela
authors: UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
authors: Kipling J
authors: KJ
authors: Gallion
authors: UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
authors: Edgar
authors: E
authors: Muñoz
authors: UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
authors: Alan E
authors: AE
authors: Holden
authors: Native American Cancer Initiatives.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Burhansstipanov
authors: Morehouse School of Medicine.
authors: Selina A
authors: SA
authors: Smith
authors: California State University East Bay.
authors: Evaon
authors: E
authors: Wong-Kim
authors: University of Kentucky.
authors: Stephen W
authors: SW
authors: Wyatt
authors: Lucina
authors: L
authors: Suarez
keywords: Breast Cancer; Ethnic Attitudes and Interest; Genetic Testing; Minorities; Special Population Groups