6615 Background: Prior research suggests that receipt of genetic testing to assess risk of disease in patients or their families is not limited to those who meet high-risk criteria (i.e., diagnosed at young age &/or with strong family history). There is little research from large population-based samples describing patterns and correlates of genetic testing receipt or reasons why patients undergo testing. Methods: We surveyed 2290 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reported to the Detroit & Los Angeles SEER registries from 6/05-2/07. We merged these data to SEER and re-surveyed them again approximately 4 years later (n=1536). The primary outcomes were patient reports of a strong desire for genetic testing, participation in a discussion about genetic testing, and receipt of genetic testing. We also evaluated patient reports of reasons for getting tested. We compared dependent and independent factors using chi-square tests and used logistic regression to evaluate correlates of each outcome. Results: One third (33.9%) reported a strong desire to be tested, of whom 54% discussed testing with a health professional, & 46% were tested. A strong desire to be tested was associated with younger age (F=32.03, P<0.001), minority race (F=62.5, P<0.001), family history of breast &/or ovarian cancer (F=18.5, P<0.001) and worry about recurrence (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3-2.6). Overall, 19.3% were tested. Test receipt was significantly associated with younger age (F=26.8, P<0.001), higher education (OR: 1.8; 95% CI:1.13-2.71), and family history (F=25.1, P<0.001). Of those tested, reasons included: physician recommendation (61.8%), wanting more information about one’s own health (51.8%), wanting more information for family (54.2%), and family desire (13.6%). 7.8% of those not tested indicated it was because of the expense. Conclusions: Many women have a strong desire for genetic testing after diagnosis of breast cancer but often do not discuss testing with professionals. Desire for testing was correlated with pertinent clinical factors but also non-clinical factors such as minority race and worry about recurrence. Results suggest the continued need to address patient desire for testing and selection of appropriate patients for testing.
Correlates of worry about recurrence in a multiethnic population-based sample of women with breast cancer
