Abstract
With the increasing number of cancer cases worldwide, genetic testing for familiar cancers seems inevitable, yet little is known on population interest and the monetary value for cancer genetic risk information. The current study aimed to determine the willingness to undergo and pay for cancer genetic testing among the Malaysian population. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to cancer patients and their family members in the oncology and daycare units in several government hospitals. Of 641 respondents (354 patients, 287 family members), 267 (41.7%) were willing to undergo cancer genetic testing. The median that respondents were willing to pay was USD 48.31 (MYR 200.00) IQR USD 96.91 (MYR 400), while 143 (22.3%) respondents were willing to pay a shared cost with the insurance company. Regression analysis identified independent positive predictors of willingness to pay as respondent’s status as a family member, high education level, and willingness to undergo cancer genetic testing in general, while in patients, female gender and high level of education were identified as independent positive predictors. Generally, the population needs more information to undergo and pay for cancer genetic testing. This will increase the utilization of the services offered, and with cost-sharing practices with the provider, it can be implemented population-wide.
Highlights
IntroductionAn estimated 5% to 10% of cancers have a hereditary component [1]
This paper aims to gain insight into the readiness of cancer patients and their family members to undergo and share the cost for cancer genetic testing, generating important information to be integrated into cancer prevention programs
Respondents were from three hospitals: 396 (61.8%) from Hospital Pulau Pinang (HPP), 130 (20.3%) from Institut Kanser Negara
Summary
An estimated 5% to 10% of cancers have a hereditary component [1]. Certain cancers such as breast, colorectal, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers sometimes run in the family. Individuals with inherited mutations in known hereditary cancer genes can have a significantly increased chance of developing particular types of cancers. Lynch syndrome, a hereditary colorectal cancer, is associated with mutations within the MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6, and EPCAM genes [2]. To detect such anomalies, predictive genetic testing is a powerful tool to recognize such individuals and significantly benefit
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