Are beliefs about the importance of genetics for cancer prevention and early detection associated with high risk cancer genetic testing in the U.S. Population?

Abstract

Public attitudes towards germline genetic testing for inherited cancers have been found to be generally positive. We know that diverse causal beliefs about cancer and sociodemographic factors are associated with uptake of cancer genetic testing. However, it is unclear how beliefs about genetically informed cancer prevention and genetically informed early detection of cancer shape testing behaviors. Using data from the National Health Information National Trends Survey, we studied this relationship between belief about cancer genetics and participation in cancer genetic testing. Interestingly, we find that belief in the importance of genetics for early detection of cancer was associated with testing however, belief in the importance of genetics for cancer prevention was not. The pattern of association is a surprising finding that warrants further investigation as better understanding cancer prevention beliefs and their impact on genetic test uptake may inform population genetic testing efforts.