Attitudes About Hereditary Breast Cancer

This project will examine the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of women from diverse backgrounds concerning the etiology of familial breast cancer. Aim #1: Twenty-five women with suspected hereditary breast cancer from diverse ethnic/racial, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds will participate in qualitative interviews designed to assess knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding the etiology of familial breast cancer. Based on themes from these interviews, we will design a larger survey exploring these issues. Aim #2: Approximately 400 women will complete this survey of their knowledge and attitudes concerning hereditary breast cancer etiology. The influence of sporadic versus suspected hereditary breast cancer, ethnicity/race, socioeconomic status, and urbanicity will be assessed using a multi-variant ANOVA. Finally, in AIM#3, the results of both the qualitative interviews and the larger scale survey will be used to design and evaluate educational strategies for women at risk for hereditary breast cancer and their clinicians. (Co-funded with NCI. Member of CGSC)