Racial differences in knowledge, attitudes, and sources of information about germline cancer genetic testing in the U.S.A.: An analysis of the health information National Trends Survey System

Abstract

PurposeTo understand racial disparities in germline cancer genetic testing and the role of prior knowledge, attitudes, and sources of information. MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (HINTS 5) was conducted between February 24th and June 15th, 2020. The study aimed to investigate knowledge and receipt of genetic testing, attitudes toward the importance of genetic testing in preventing, detecting, and treating cancer, and information sources of genetic testing in the United States of America. ResultsNon-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic race/ethnicity were associated with lower odds of being informed about genetic testing, whereas those of NHB race were more likely to endorse the importance of genetic testing in cancer prevention and treatment. Regarding sources of information about genetic testing: Non-Hispanic Asians were less likely to be informed about genetic testing from television (Mean Predicted Probability (MPP) 0.38 95%CI; 0.21–0.55, (Adjusted Risk Difference) ARD vs. Non-Hispanic White (NHW); −0.228, p = 0.01), NHB were less likely to report being informed about genetic testing from social media (MPP 0.27 95%CI; 0.20–0.34, ARD vs. NHW; −0.139, p < 0.01). ConclusionsNHB and Hispanic groups face unequal access to information about genetic testing. There are significant race-based differences in information sources. These differences could be used to promote equitable access to cancer genetic testing.