Project Title: Genetic Evaluation for Breast Cancer Susceptibility in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Women in South Texas.
Abstract:
Research has shown that Hispanic women with breast cancer tend to be diagnosed at more advanced stages of the disease and have poorer survival rates when compared with non-Hispanic white women. Women who receive counseling may improve their survival rates, especially among those who suffer most from cancer health disparities. In this study, 300 women (150 Hispanic and 150 non-Hispanic white), aged 30 or older, will be recruited to complete a pre-tested, culturally sensitive survey that examines breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Participants will be divided into three groups according to their level of genetic breast cancer risk: no cancer risk, low/moderate risk, and high risk. Only high-risk participants will receive genetic counseling. Examples of women at high risk include those with breast cancer at an early age (before the age of 50), or those with multiple family members with breast and/or ovarian cancer. After the genetic counseling session, those individuals who meet the criteria for genetic testing will be offered testing. The study will compare differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women concerning 1) awareness, perceived benefits, and risk of breast cancer genetic testing; 2) characteristics of the women undergoing genetic evaluation; and 3) factors associated with decisions to accept or decline breast cancer counseling and testing. We believe that women who reject counseling will report having more barriers to genetic testing and be less informed about breast cancer genetics than those who accept both counseling and testing. The outcomes to be measured will be the completion of surveys, genetic counseling sessions, and genetic testing. The study's results will be published and used in the development of culturally sensitive interventions and materials that will improve informed decision making for breast cancer counseling and testing Hispanic and non-Hispanic women.
PI:
- Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH, Professor of Medicine, Director of the Cancer Center Office of Outreach and Health Disparities Research, and Deputy Director of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine
Co-PI's:
- Alexander Miller, MD, Director of Surgical Oncology and Director of the Cancer Prevention and Risk Assessment Clinic (CPRAC) at the Cancer Therapy and Research Center, San Antonio, TX
- Pam Otto, MD, Director of Radiology at the University Hospital Department of Radiology and Director of Breast Imaging and Intervention
Funding Institution:
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Funding Period:
2 years – 2005-2007
Location/Service Area:
300 participants aged 30 or older, 150 Hispanic and 150 non-Hispanic white women in South Texas
Collaborators/Co-sponsors:
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- San Antonio Cancer Institute
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center
- Pam Otto, MD, University Health System
Goals:
This project has two main goals: 1) to administer a pre-tested, culturally sensitive instrument to Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women from South Texas at various levels of cancer risk; and 2) to offer genetic counseling, as well as genetic testing, to Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women from South Texas.
Results:
None to report.
Potential Impact:
Outcomes to be measured will be completion of surveys, genetic counseling sessions, and genetic testing. We will correlate factors regarding knowledge, attitudes, and behavior with decisions in breast cancer counseling and testing between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. Results will help guide development of culturally sensitive interventions and programs that would help Hispanic and non-Hispanic women make more informed decisions about genetic testing.
Publications:
None to report.
