24 Perceptions of Genetic Susceptibility Testing as a Cancer Prevention Tool for African American Women

Faculty Mentor: Crystal Lumpkins (Communications and the Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah)

Introduction

Genetic Susceptibility Testing (GST) is an emerging technology used as a cancer prevention tool (Courtney, E., et al. 2018). Studies show that African American (AA) women are disproportionately impacted by cancer outcomes but are less likely to take preventive measures due to a lack of trust in medical personnel and knowledge of healthcare resources. (Schölmerich, V. L. N. and I. Kawachi 2016). These factors often lead to GST counseling and testing barriers among AA women for cancer-risk gene discovery. The objective of this study was to explore how genetic counselors and AA leaders in Utah perceive GST as a preventive cancer measure among AA women.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the parent study (Lumpkins et al, 2020) and the Genetic Counseling Department of Huntsman Cancer Institute. Participants (N=4) included 2 genetic counselors and 2 community leaders of predominately AA organizations in Salt Lake City. Questions focused on their organization/work environment, communication about GST, and beliefs about GST among AA women in Salt Lake City. A Semi-structured in-depth interview guide was used to conduct the interviews, lasting between 45-65 minutes. Interview questions were derived from the parent study, literature review, and an informal conversation with a genetic counselor. In-depth interviews were held via Zoom, audio recorded, and transcribed for analysis where common preliminary themes were explored; data saturation was not reached.

Results

Preliminary Themes Included:

Limited Knowledge– Knowing that GST is a cost-effective resource can be used as important information in the communication of screening as a prevention measure.

Spirituality/Religion– Implementing spirituality or religion into outreach and social support efforts concerning GST can bolster reach and relevance.

Social Support– Support efforts are already in place by each organization to begin outreach to African American women concerning GST.

Relationship– Physicians are important in increasing awareness about GST through existing physician-patient relationships. The patient’s trust in the physician is important in communicating the benefits of GST.

Conclusion

We learned through preliminary data analysis that genetic counselors want to do more in Utah with African American women residents who may seek or not know about genetic counseling. AA leaders also recognize the importance of GST and that there is a need for health promotion. They are willing to become partners for future programming with African American women in the metropolitan area and throughout the state.

Bibliography

Courtney, E., et al. (2018). “Predictors of next-generation sequencing panel selection using a shared decision-making approach.” npj Genomic Medicine 3(1): 11.

Schölmerich, V. L. N. and I. Kawachi (2016). “Translating the Socio-Ecological Perspective Into Multilevel Interventions: Gaps Between Theory and Practice.” Health Education & Behavior 43(1): 17-20.

Lumpkins, C. Y., et al. (2020). “A road map for the future: An exploration of attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs among African Americans to tailor health promotion of cancer‐related genetic counseling and testing.” Journal of Genetic Counseling 29(4): 518-529.