Knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of BRCA1/2 testing among women with early-onset breast cancer

Genet Test. 2005 Spring;9(1):48-53. doi: 10.1089/gte.2005.9.48.

Abstract

A total of 2,400 questionnaires were mailed to members of two mid-Atlantic breast cancer awareness/support groups to investigate the association between attitudes, knowledge, and use of BRCA1/2 testing among women with early-onset breast cancer. Of the 493 (21%) questionnaires returned, 406 respondents had a diagnosis of breast cancer, of whom 248 were diagnosed prior to age 50 and included in the analyses. Eighty-three percent (206/248) of these women had heard of BRCA1/2 testing and 12.5% (31/248) had undergone BRCA1/2 testing. Among women who had heard of BRCA1/2 testing, women who had been tested were younger (p = 0.03), more likely to have a college education (p = 0.03), more likely to have a family member who had undergone BRCA1/2 testing (p = 0.005), and had greater knowledge, more positive attitudes, and fewer negative attitudes about BRCA1/2 testing (p = 0.02, p = 0.004, and p = 0.004, respectively). In this sample, knowledge regarding BRCA1/2 testing is high, but uptake of genetic testing is low. Lack of information regarding how genetic testing might alter health-care decisions and fear about the genetic testing procedure, its costs, and possible false-positive results are associated with low uptake of genetic testing. Further education regarding these specific points may enhance the use of genetic testing.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genes, BRCA1*
  • Genes, BRCA2*
  • Genetic Testing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Surveys and Questionnaires