Factors associated with interest in genetic testing for breast cancer among Latina and non-hispanic white women

Background. Identification of BRCA genetic mutations offers “early warning” of disease potential. However Latinas comprise only 1-4% of women undergoing BRCA testing. Here we examine this disparity by determining the extent of interest in genetic testing among Latina and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) women, and explore factors associated with interest.

Methods. We surveyed 290 women recruited from the UTHSCSA Cancer Therapy and Research Center catchment area. Women were assigned BC risk status per American College of Medical Genetics Foundation guidelines. Chi-Square, T-tests, Anova and multivariate logistic regression were used.

Results. Overall 80% of women were “very interested” in breast cancer (BC) genetic testing. Latina ethnicity, use of alternate “non-Latino” health care services (e.g. acupuncture, chiropractic medicine) and negative testing perceptions were inversely related to interest. Latinas were less interested in genetic testing regardless of genetic risk or BC history [Low- risk: 75.3% Latinas v 84.9% NHW (p<0.05); High-risk: 75.3% Latinas v 84.9% NHW (p<0.05); [NoHx of Cancer Latinas 75.6% v 90.2% p<0.04, Hx Cancer Latinas 72.0% v 82.9%, p<0.05.] In NHW women, negative perception of testing was inversely related with interest (OR=0.735, p<0.01), whereas among Latinas, high BC risk (OR=2.38, p<0.01) and having biological daughters (OR=7.85, p<0.001) are positively associated with interest.

Conclusion. Overall, interest in genetic testing appears to be high. However, more NHW than Latino women are very interested in genetic testing for BC. NHW interest is influenced negatively by use of nontraditional sources of medical care. Latina interest is associated with personal risk perception and having biological daughters.