Attitudes toward colon cancer gene testing: Factors predicting test uptake

Objectives. Genetic discoveries in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cance r (HNPCC) have made possible genetic testing to determine susceptibility to this form of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study measured the uptake of ge netic testing for HNPCC among first-degree relatives of CRC patients and co nducted a preliminary analysis of the predictors of test uptake. Materials and Methods. We compared 77 test accepters and 181 decliners on d emographic, medical history, and psychological characteristics, controlling for distance from the testing center. The psychological factors studied we re risk perception for CRC, frequency of cancer thoughts, and perceived abi lity to cope with unfavorable genetic information. Results. In the final regression model, after accounting for all variables, the significant predictors of test uptake were increased risk perception, greater perceived confidence in ability to cope with unfavorable genetic in formation, more frequent cancer thoughts, and having had at least one colon oscopy. The association between risk perception and uptake was dependent on frequency of cancer thoughts. Among those who thought about getting CRC mo re often, the probability of testing increased as perceived risk increased to similar to 50% Likelihood of getting CRC and then leveled off. In contra st, among those who never or rarely thought about getting CRC, risk percept ion was unrelated to testing decision. Conclusions. Our findings are consistent with the associations reported bet ween psychological factors and other cancer screening behaviors.