ASPO Abstracts
Beliefs and Perceptions on Genetic Testing and Precision Medicine based on Cancer Survivorship
Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2023
Abstract Body:
Purpose-To examine differences in beliefs, perception, and awareness of genetic testing and precision medicine between cancer survivors and those without a history of cancer. Methods-We conducted a cross-sectional study of 3794 respondents (626 cancer survivors; 3168 respondents without a history of cancer) from the Health Information National Trends (HINTS) Survey 5, Cycle 4. The association between cancer survivorship and genetic testing beliefs and perceptions was assessed using survey-weighted logistic regression with adjustment for age, gender, race, and ethnicity. Results-Cancer survivors were more likely to have had genetic tests (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.03-2.53) and were more likely to report that they have a lot (vs. somewhat, a little, or not at all) of interest in knowing if they have a genetic change that increases their risk of getting cancer (aOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.12-2.44). In contrast, our findings seem to suggest that cancer survivors may be less likely to believe it was very important to know a person's genetic information for preventing cancer (aOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.55-1.24) although these findings were non-significant. Cancer survivors and those without a history of cancer had similar beliefs regarding the importance of genetic information for detecting cancer early (aOR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.68-1.45) and treating cancer (aOR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.69-1.56). Cancer survivors were no more likely to agree that they would change behavior (diet, exercise and getting routine medical tests) if a genetic test indicated they were at high risk of cancer. There was no difference in knowledge of precision medicine between cancer survivors and those without a history of cancer. Conclusion-Although cancer survivors were more likely to have had a genetic test and report wanting to know if they have a genetic change that increases their cancer risk, overall cancer survivors' beliefs regarding the utility of genetic tests to detect or treat cancer is no different than those without a history of cancer. Genetic testing and precision medicine can be used for screening, diagnosis, and guiding treatment in patients with cancer. Continued education and outreach are necessary for increasing awareness and uptake of genetic tests and precision medicine.
Keywords: genetic testing, precision medicine, cancer survivors