Paper

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Risk Perceptions among African American Women at Increased Risk for Hereditary Breast-Ovarian Cancer
Lisa Kessler^a, Susan Domchek^{b, c}, Jill Stopfer^c, Chanita Hughes Halbert^{a, c, d}

Departments of
^aPsychiatry and
^bMedicine,
^cAbramson Cancer Center, and
^dLeonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Community Genet 2008;11:193-200 (DOI: 10.1159/000116879)

  Key Words

• BRCA1/2 mutation
• Risk perception
• African American women

  Abstract

Objectives: To describe BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) risk perceptions among African American women at increased risk for hereditary breast-ovarian cancer and to identify factors having independent associations with these perceptions. Methods: Risk perceptions were evaluated by self-report during a structured telephone interview among African American women (n = 162) at increased risk for hereditary cancer who were recruited from oncology clinics, general medical practices, and community oncology resources. Results: The majority of women (75%) believed that it was likely that they had a BRCA1/2 mutation. Women ages 50 and younger and those with greater cancer-specific worry were most likely to believe that they had a BRCA1/2 mutation. Conclusions: Although BRCA1/2 risk perceptions may be consistent with objective risk levels among African American women, discussion about the basis of risk perceptions may enhance provision of genetic counseling and testing in this population.

Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Chanita Hughes Halbert, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
3535 Market Street, Suite 4100
Philadelphia, PA 19104 (USA)
Tel. +1 215 747 7144, Fax +1 215 746 7140, E-Mail chanita@mail.med.upenn.edu

  Article Information

Published online: April 14, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 46