Genetic Discrimination Knowledge in Primary Care

In order to translate the rapid advances of genetic technologies into the realm of preventive medicine, it is imperative that we explore any perceptions about genetic discrimination that may limit access to genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA) and consequently to risk appropriate cancer screening and prevention. The state of knowledge and opinions about genetic discrimination and protective legislation among physicians who directly influence access to GCRA is largely unknown. This proposal outlines a plan to assess the state of knowledge and opinions about genetic discrimination and protective legislation among 1,200 primary care physicians and oncologists in California, who serve as the gatekeepers of access to GCRA referrals. Preliminary work and initiated collaborations with the Cancer Legal Resource Center of Loyola Law School and the California Medical Association Foundation demonstrate the expertise and infrastructure needed to successfully implement the proposed study. The results of this project may document perceptions or gaps in knowledge that are potential barriers to care, and provide support for an educational intervention designed to improve the state of knowledge and understanding about genetic testing and genetic discrimination disks, protections and experience. Because genetic testing for hereditary cancer represents a new paradigm for predictive genetic testing in other adult onset disorders, the results of the proposed study will potentially have broad-based implications.