title: Population-Based Study of Attitudes toward BRCA Genetic Testing among Orthodox Jewish Women.
abstract: Given the high prevalence (1 in 40) of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations among Ashkenazi Jews, population-based BRCA genetic testing in this ethnic subgroup may detect more mutation carriers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among Orthodox Jewish women in New York City to assess breast cancer risk, genetic testing knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived breast cancer risk and worry, religious and cultural factors affecting medical decision-making. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models to identify predictors of genetic testing intention/uptake. Among evaluable respondents (n = 243, 53% response rate), median age was 25 and nearly half (43%) had a family history of breast cancer. Only 49% of the women had adequate genetic testing knowledge and 46% had accurate breast cancer risk perceptions. Five percent had already undergone BRCA genetic testing, 20% stated that they probably/definitely will get tested, 28% stated that they probably/definitely will not get tested, and 46% had not thought about it. High decision self-efficacy, adequate genetic testing knowledge, higher breast cancer risk, and overestimation of risk were associated with genetic testing intention/uptake. Decision support tools that improve knowledge and self-efficacy about genetic testing may facilitate population-based BRCA testing among Orthodox Jews.
authors.affiliation: Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Eve Y
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Meghna S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Trivedi
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kukafka
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Wendy K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Raven
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: David
authors.affiliation: Institute for Applied Research and Community Collaboration, New City, New York.
authors.forename: Leah
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Respler
authors.affiliation: Institute for Applied Research and Community Collaboration, New City, New York.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Leifer
authors.affiliation: Institute for Applied Research and Community Collaboration, New City, New York.
authors.forename: Isaac
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Schechter
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Katherine D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Crew
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019313:BRCA1 Protein / Q000235:genetics; D024682:BRCA2 Protein / Q000235:genetics; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D007585:Jews / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D009518:New York; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019313:BRCA1 Protein; C492913:BRCA1 protein, human; D024682:BRCA2 Protein; C551750:BRCA2 protein, human
keywords: 
  BRCA1
  ; 
  BRCA2
  ; Ashkenazi Jews; breast cancer risk; genetic testing