Men's values-based factors on prostate cancer risk genetic testing: a telephone survey. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • BACKGROUND: While a definitive genetic test for Hereditary Prostate Cancer (HPC) is not yet available, future HPC risk testing may become available. Past survey data have shown high interest in HPC testing, but without an in-depth analysis of its underlying rationale to those considering it. METHODS: Telephone computer-assisted interviews of 400 men were conducted in a large metropolitan East-coast city, with subsequent development of psychometric scales and their correlation with intention to receive testing. RESULTS: Approximately 82% of men interviewed expressed that they "probably" or "definitely" would get genetic testing for prostate cancer risk if offered now. Factor analysis revealed four distinct, meaningful factors for intention to receive genetic testing for prostate cancer risk. These factors reflected attitudes toward testing and were labeled "motivation to get testing," "consequences and actions after knowing the test result," "psychological distress," and "beliefs of favorable outcomes if tested" (alpha = 0.89, 0.73, 0.73, and 0.60, respectively). These factors accounted for 70% of the total variability. The domains of motivation (directly), consequences (inversely), distress (inversely), and positive expectations (directly) all correlated with intention to receive genetic testing (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Men have strong attitudes favoring genetic testing for prostate cancer risk. The factors most associated with testing intention include those noted in past cancer genetics studies, and also highlights the relevance in considering one's motivation and perception of positive outcomes in genetic decision-making.

publication date

  • December 10, 2004

Research

keywords

  • Genetic Testing
  • Prostatic Neoplasms

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC544862

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 26444540431

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1089/109065703322783671

PubMed ID

  • 15588314

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 5