How men view genetic testing for prostate cancer risk: findings from focusgroups

Objective: To determine the values, beliefs, and attitudes that influence a man's intention to undergo or defer genetic testing for prostate cancer ri sk. Design: Qualitative, using focus group interviews - 12 focus groups were co nducted to identify key values and beliefs about genetic testing for prosta te cancer risk in anticipation of its future availability. Setting: Medium-sized, mid-west, US city. Participants: Community sample of 90 lay men of diverse educational, ethnic , and age backgrounds. Analysis: Descriptive statistics and immersion/crystallization to identify themes and sub-themes. Results: The major areas of concern were distilled into the following theme s: beliefs about consequences, expectations, benefits for patients, beliefs about barriers, and susceptibility concerns. Conclusion: Identifying these men's values will help health professionals a nticipate the informational and ethical needs of patients in the informed c onsent process. Men will need to understand how such testing may affect the ir planning regarding future prostate health, and how medical information i s used outside of the physician-patient relationship.