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Genetic testing of African Americans for susceptibility to inherited cancers: use of focus groups to determine factors contributing to participation.

Authors :
Matthews AK
Cummings S
Thompson S
Wohl V
List M
Olopade OI
Source :
Journal of Psychosocial Oncology; 2000, Vol. 18 Issue 2, p1-19, 19p
Publication Year :
2000

Abstract

Identification of the genes BRCAl and BRCA2 offers individuals at high risk for breast, ovarian, colon, or prostate cancer the opportunity to learn if they are genetically predisposed to these diseases. The department of Medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center has a program that provides genetic testing for people with a family history of these cancers. However, African Americans do not participate in genetic testing at the same rate European Americans do. Thus, focus groups were conducted to learn more about the factors influencing the participation of African Americans in genetic testing. The findings indicated that several factors influence their participation, including perceptions about cancer survivability and lack of awareness about the role of genetic testing. The article discusses these factors and provides specific recommendations for improving African Americans' access and response to genetic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
07347332
Volume :
18
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Psychosocial Oncology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
107031669
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1300/j077v18n02_01