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Until recently, genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer has primarily focused on pathogenic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 ( BRCA) genes. However, advances in DNA sequencing technologies have made simultaneous testing for multiple genes possible. We examined correlates of interest in multigene panel testing and risk communication preferences in an ethnically diverse sample of women who tested negative for BRCA mutations previously but remain at high risk based on their family history (referred to as ' BRCA-uninformative') and their at-risk female family members. Two-hundred and thirteen women with a previous breast cancer diagnosis and a BRCA-uninformative test result and their first-degree relatives completed a survey on interest in multigene panel testing, communication preferences, and sociodemographic, psychological, and clinical factors. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with testing interest. Chi-square analyses were used to test differences in risk communication preferences. Interest in multigene panel testing was high (84%) and did not considerably differ by cancer status or ethnicity. In multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with interest in genetic testing were having had a mammogram in the past 2 years (odds ratio (OR) = 4.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80-9.02) and high cancer worry (OR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.34-10.60). Overall, the most commonly preferred genetic communication modes were genetic counselors, oncologists, and print materials. However, non-Hispanic women were more likely than Hispanic women to prefer web-based risk communication ( p < 0.001). Hispanic and non-Hispanic women from BRCA-uninformative families have a high level of interest in gene panel testing. Cancer-related emotions and communication preferences should be considered in developing targeted genetic risk communication strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of people with alcohol use disorders do not seek formal treatment. Research on barriers to help-seeking have only recently focused on ethnic minority populations. The present study investigated the extent to which an adult American Indian (AI) sample experienced similar and/or unique barriers to help-seeking as have been reported in the literature. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, 56 (54% male) AIs with lifetime alcohol dependence completed a semistructured face-to-face interview and a self-administered written survey. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and coded for four major themes: personal barriers, pragmatic barriers, concerns about seeking help, and social network barriers. Quantitative data provided percentage endorsing each survey item and strength of each barrier, which were categorized according to the four major themes. In previous research, most barriers questionnaires have not queried for cultural concerns or how the specific type of help may be a mismatch from the client's perspective. Given the rapidly changing racial/ethnic demography in the United States, further research addressing cultural and spiritual concerns as well as more common barriers is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]