Associations Between Subjective Social Status and Predictors of Interest in Genetic Testing Among Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at a Young Age

Overview

Journal Cancer Causes Control

Specialties Oncology
Public Health

Date 2024 May 3

PMID 38700724

Authors

Jonathan N Odumegwu

Daniel Chavez-Yenter

Melody S Goodman

Kimberly A Kaphingst

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Genetic testing for gene mutations which elevate risk for breast cancer is particularly important for women diagnosed at a young age. Differences remain in access and utilization to testing across social groups, and research on the predictors of interest in genetic testing for women diagnosed at a young age is limited.

Methods: We examined the relationships between subjective social status (SSS) and variables previously identified as possible predictors of genetic testing, including genome sequencing knowledge, genetic worry, cancer worry, health consciousness, decision-making preferences, genetic self-efficacy, genetic-related beliefs, and subjective numeracy, among a cohort of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age.

Results: In this sample (n = 1,076), those who had higher SSS had significantly higher knowledge about the limitations of genome sequencing (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.01-1.21) and significantly higher informational norms (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.19-3.14) than those with lower SSS. Similarly, education (OR = 2.75; 95% CI = 1.79-4.22), health status (OR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.44-3.31) were significant predictors among higher SSS women compared to lower SSS women in our multivariate analysis. Lower SSS women with low self-reported income (OR = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.08-0.20) had lower odds of genetic testing interest. Our results are consistent with some prior research utilizing proxy indicators for socioeconomic status, but our research adds the importance of using a multidimensional indicator such as SSS to examine cancer and genetic testing predictor outcomes.

Conclusion: To develop interventions to improve genetic knowledge, researchers should consider the social status and contexts of women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age (or before 40 years old) to ensure equity in the distribution of genetic testing benefits.

Citing Articles

Structural Determinants of Health Literacy Among Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: Insights From the Survey of Racism and Public Health.

Bather J, Goodman M, Kaphingst K Health Lit Res Pract. 2025; 9(1):e8-e18.

PMID: 39805564 PMC: 11729762. DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20241219-01.

Associations between perceived discrimination over the life course, subjective social status, and health literacy: A racial/ethnic stratification analysis.

Bather J, Cuevas A, Harris A, Kaphingst K, Goodman M PEC Innov. 2024; 5:100334.

PMID: 39257628 PMC: 11384512. DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100334.

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