Genetic Counseling for Breast Cancer Susceptibility in African American Women

摘要

Despite recommendations to increase the cultural sensitivity of genetic counseling, such programs have not been developed or evaluated. The objectives of this study were to develop a Culturally Tailored Genetic (CTGC) protocol for African American women and evaluate its impact on decision-making and satisfaction about BRCA1/2 testing, quality of life, and cancer control practices. With the support of this award, we have developed a comprehensive body of empirical knowledge on genetic counseling and testing among African American women. Our work has evaluated responses to CTGC versus SGC, identified predictors of test result acceptance, and assessed outcomes of genetic counseling among African American women at increased risk for hereditary disease. Importantly, we have developed a method for addressing cultural beliefs and values related to cancer prevention and control in a medically underserved population.