Attitudes toward genetic testing in patients with colorectal cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study aas to examine risk perceptions and inte rest in genetic testing among African American and White patients with colo rectal cancer. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: In this cross-sectional study, 38 patients with color ectal cancer participated in a brief structured telephone interview. Inform ation was collected on knowledge and risk perceptions regarding colorectal cancer genetics, health behaviors, knowledge about the availability of gene tic testing, and interest in genetic testing for colorectal cancer suscepti bility. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent of the participants were worried about their rel atives' risk of colorectal cancer. and 64% were concerned about being a col orectal cancer susceptibility gene carrier, Although 81% of the participant s reported that they had never heard about a genetic test for colorectal ca ncer susceptibility, 72% stated that they would want to take the test if it were available. Predictors of intention to have a genetic test were younge r age, less advanced stage of disease, and more frequent thoughts about col orectal cancer being hereditary. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These results suggest that the demand for genetic te sting may be great, despite a general lack of knowledge about colorectal ca ncer genetics and the potential risks and limitations of testing. Education and counseling about cancer genetics and genetic testing may clarify misco nceptions about hereditary colorectal cancer and help patients with colorec tal cancer and their family members make informed decisions about whether t o undergo testing.