Sociocultural Influences on Participation in Genetic Risk Assessment and Testing Among African American Women

The objectives of this observational study were to describe the associations between cultural beliefs and values and participation in genetic risk assessment and testing among African American women at high risk for having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) gene alteration. Subjects were 28 high-risk women who self-referred to a genetic counseling and testing research program. Overall, 61% subjects received BRCA1/2 test results and 39% declined. Mean levels of fatalistic beliefs about cancer and future temporal orientation were higher among test acceptors relative to decliners. Sociodemographic factors were not associated with test acceptance; however, rates of test acceptance were lower among women with greater perceptions of familial interdependence (41% versus 91%, P=0.02). The results of this study suggest that cultural beliefs and values may influence genetic testing decisions among African American women.