Internet use is associated with utilization of genetic counseling for BRCA 1/2 mutations in women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer

Abstract

10654 Background: Women obtain breast cancer risk information from a variety of sources including mass media, the internet and personal and professional sources. Little is know about how internet use for health information influences choices about breast cancer risk evaluation and decision making. Methods: Case control study of 408 women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, of whom 217 underwent genetic counseling for BRCA 1/2 testing (cases) and 191 women who did not (controls). Participants received primary care within a large health system in greater Philadelphia, PA. Results: Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer who reported frequent use of the internet for health information (>1–2 times a month) were significantly more likely to undergo genetic counseling for BRCA 1/2 testing than women that rarely used the internet to obtain health information (<2 times a year) (odds ratio 2.6; 95% CI 1.7–4.0). This association persisted after adjustment for age, race, education and Gail risk (adjusted odds ratio 2.1; 95% CI 1.05–4.2) Conclusions: Frequent use of the internet for health care information is associated with higher use of genetic counseling for BRCA 1/2 mutations in women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The association can not be explained by differences in education, cancer risk, age or race. A possible hypothesis for this association is that internet use exposes women to more information about genetic testing, BRCA testing opportunities and the experiences of other women who have utilized BRCA counseling services. No significant financial relationships to disclose.