Ethnic, Racial and Cultural Identity and Perceived Benefits and Barriers Related to Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer among At-Risk Women of African Descent in New York City
Sussner,K. M. (Author), Edwards,T. A. (Author), Thompson,H. S. (Author), Jandorf,L. (Author), Kwate,N. O. (Author), Forman,A. (Author), Brown,K. (Author), Kapil-Pair,N. (Author), Bovbjerg,D. H. (Author), Schwartz,M. D. (Author), and Valdimarsdottir,H. B. (Author)
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2011
Location:
African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Assessed ethnic, racial and cultural identity and examined their relationships with perceived benefits and barriers related to genetic testing for cancer risk in a sample of 160 women of African descent (49% self-identified African American, 39% Black-West Indian/Caribbean, 12% Black-Other) who met genetic risk criteria and were participating in a larger longitudinal study including the opportunity for free genetic counseling and testing in New York City. Conclusions: Ethnic and racial identity may influence perceived benefits and barriers related to genetic testing for breast and/or ovarian cancer risk among at-risk women of African descent. Genetic counseling services may want to take into account these factors in the creation of culturally-appropriate services which best meet the needs of this heterogenous population.
