Genetic Testing for Colon Cancer in Multiethnic Hawaii

This study aims to identify ethnocultural and psychosocial factors related to intentions to obtain genetic testing for heritable forms of colon cancer in increased-risk and control adults of Caucasian, Japanese, and Hawaiian ethnicity who are living in Hawaii, and identify and describe ethical and social issues and attitudes that may affect intentions to offer genetic testing for colon cancer among health professionals in Hawaii. The first part of the study uses case-control methodology. We will use a mail questionnaire to survey first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients diagnosed with colon cancer (n=750) and FDRs of age, sex, and ethnicity-matched population-based controls living in Hawaii (n=750). The second part of the study will survey physicians (n=875) and nurses (n=875) in Hawaii through mailed questionnaires. The survey will examine factors influencing intentions to offer genetic testing for cancer, including personal and practice characteristics, views about ethical and social-legal issues, and attitudes toward genetic testing. This study is unique and timely because of its multiethnic population, the use of case control methodology, and the potential to establish a foundation for planning culturally appropriate and effective counseling programs related to genetic testing for cancer. (Member of CGSC)