Tracking the dissemination of a culturally targeted brochure to promote awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer among Black women.

Objective: Black women have a higher rate of BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA) mutations, compared with other populations, that increases their risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). However, Black women are less likely to know about HBOC and genetic testing. Based on a request from a community advisory panel of breast cancer survivors, community leaders and healthcare providers in the Black community, our team developed a culturally targeted educational brochure to promote awareness of HBOC among Black women.

Awareness of cancer susceptibility genetic testing: the 2000, 2005, and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys.

Background: Genetic testing for several cancer susceptibility syndromes is clinically available; however, existing data suggest limited population awareness of such tests.

Purpose: To examine awareness regarding cancer genetic testing in the U.S.

Psychosocial and behavioral impact of genetic counseling and testing.

Over a decade has passed since the clinical availability of BRCA1/2 mutation testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC). The purpose of this article is to review key areas of psychosocial and behavioral research related to genetic counseling and testing for BRCA1/2 mutations. Special attention will be given to understudied issues within each of these key areas.

Preventive health behaviors and familial breast cancer.

Aim: To examine medical and lifestyle preventive behaviors among women with varying levels of familial breast cancer risk.

Methods: Using cross-sectional data from the Minnesota Breast Cancer Family Study, a historical cohort of 426 families, we compared medical (mammography adherence, antiestrogen use, and prophylactic surgery) and lifestyle (physical activity, smoking, alcohol, and diet) behaviors across three groups of cancer-free women ages 18 to 95 defined by their family history of breast cancer. Family history was classified as high-risk, moderate-risk, or average to low-risk depending on the number and degree of relationship of family members with breast cancer.

Physician exposure to and attitudes toward advertisements for genetic tests for inherited cancer susceptibility.

Commercial marketing materials may serve as a source of information for physicians about genetic testing for inherited cancer susceptibility (GTICS) in addition to medical guidelines, continuing education, and journal articles. The primary purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the percentage of physicians who received advertisements for GTICS early in the diffusion of commercial GTICS (1999-2000); (2) assess associated characteristics; and (3) measure the perceived importance of commercial advertisements and promotions in physicians' decisions to recommend testing to patients. A nationally representative, stratified random sample of 1,251 physicians from the American Medical Association (AMA) Physician Masterfile completed a 15-20 min mixed mode questionnaire that assessed specialty, previous use of genetic tests, practice characteristics, age, and receipt of advertising materials (response rate = 71%).

Psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling and testing.

Objectives: To highlight areas where persons who undergo BRCA1/2 mutation testing may benefit from psychosocial or behavioral support and intervention.

Data Sources: Published scientific literature, cal, and research experiences.

Conclusion: Key psychosocial areas that deserve attention by clinicians and researchers include: indeterminate or inconclusive test results, selection of risk management strategies in unaffected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, and genetic testing in minority communities.

Awareness of genetic testing for increased cancer risk in the year 2000 National Health Interview Survey.

Objectives: This study explores factors associated with differential awareness of genetic tests for increased cancer risk in the US.

Methods: 27,405 respondents from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey, ages 25+, were asked if they had heard of these tests.

Results: 44.

Factors predicting prostate specific antigen testing among first-degree relatives of prostate cancer patients.

First-degree relatives (FDRs) of prostate cancer patients are known to be at increased risk for the disease, yet relatively little is known about their screening behaviors. The current lack of consensus about the value of prostate cancer screening underscores the importance of examining why some men at increased risk participate in screening and others do not. In this study, variables from Protection Motivation Theory were used to identify predictors of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing in this at-risk population.