Genetic testing for prostate cancer - Willingness and predictors of interest

PURPOSE: As researchers come closer to identifying the genes responsible fo r prostate cancer, the possibility of genetic testing for ment at risk for prostate cancer becomes more likely. This study examined the following: 1) the degree to which men with (n = 43) or without (n = 83) a family history of prostate cancer would be interested in genetic testing; and 2) the degre e to which interest in testing was associated with demographic, family hist ory, and psychosocial factors. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: Participants (N = 126) were accrued through patients who had been treated for prostate cancer at Fox Chase Cancer Center (n = 39 ) and through newspaper advertisements (n = 87). All participants completed a questionnaire sent by mail. RESULTS: Seventy-four percent of men were probably (50%) or definitely (24% ) interested in testing. Participants with a family history of prostate can cer reported that they would be willing to pay substantially more for a gen etic test compared with those without a family history. Elevated worry abou t prostate cancer and concerns about treatment-related side effects were as sociated with greater interest in genetic testing. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings demonstrate a need for the development of g enetic counselling protocols for at-risk men who are interested in genetic testing, once this test becomes available.