This study identified factors associated with awareness of genetic testing for cancer risk in the US general population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze data from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey. The strong predictors were education, race/ethnicity, immigration status, health status, interaction with health professionals, controlling for socioeconomic status, cancer diagnosis, family history of cancer, and perceived personal cancer risk. The substantial lack of awareness of genetic testing among immigrant and ethnic populations warrants further research and tailored educational interventions. Ways to improve quality of patient interactions with non-genetic clinicians in promoting public knowledge of genetic testing for cancer risk are also worthy of further exploration.

cancer Genetic predisposition testing communication Awareness

genetics education doctor patient relation information dissemination primary medical care Health Care Surveys logistic regression analysis demography race difference neoplasm Neoplasms human epidemiology immigration medical research ethnic group controlled study priority journal health status cancer risk social interaction general practitioner Aged ethnology interview United States social status Humans Adolescent male genetic screening female prediction Genetic Predisposition to Disease genetic predisposition medical information system patient education Article genetic analysis major clinical study awareness population genetics adult health care quality data analysis medical specialist Utilization Review patient attitude cancer diagnosis family history health practitioner Health Services Accessibility Child health care delivery health survey