Knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy toward cancer genetic testing among Black women with and without breast cancer

Abstract

To assess knowledge and attitudes regarding cancer genetic testing among Black women with and without breast cancer and to identify individual-level predictors of these outcomes. Participants were 927 women who completed a questionnaire about personal and family history of cancer; prior hereditary cancer genetic testing; and cancer genetics knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy. Linear regression was used to examine predictors of cancer genetics knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy. Knowledge scores did not differ between women who had a history of breast cancer (mean, 12.5/16; SD 2.4) and those who did not (mean, 12.3; SD, 2.4). The majority of women answered most questions correctly; however, incorrect responses were common for questions about inherited cancer etiology (34% answered incorrectly), test limitations (44%), and clinical implications of a variant of uncertain significance (71%). Personal breast cancer history was associated with more favorable attitudes but not self-efficacy. Significant predictors of knowledge, attitudes, or self-efficacy included age, educational attainment, and marital status. Overall knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding cancer genetic testing were high among U.S. Black women regardless of prior breast cancer, though educational gaps remain.