Beliefs about Hereditary Susceptibility to Cancer and Desire to Know about a Genetic Predisposition: An Analysis of the NCI Health Information National Trends Survey

Abstract

Background: This study characterized beliefs about hereditary susceptibility to cancer and desire to know about a genetic predisposition to cancer in a nationally representative survey of US adults. Methods: Adjusted regression models using weighted survey analysis of NCI HINTS 2020 data assessed predictors of how much respondents (1) believe genes that are inherited determine whether a person will develop cancer and (2) would want to know if they had a genetic change that increases their chance of getting cancer. Results: On average, respondents endorsed between “somewhat” and “a lot” for how much hereditary susceptibility determines cancer risk. Respondents believed that hereditary susceptibility to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes were similar (Means= 1.83-1.85, all p>0.6). Individuals who had health insurance (β=–0.42 - –0.37, p=0.017-0.021) and previously sought cancer information (β=–0.19, p<0.001) believed in greater hereditary susceptibility to cancer, whereas those who self-reported good health believed in less hereditary susceptibility to cancer (β=0.16, p=0.022). Individuals who believed in greater hereditary susceptibility to cancer (β=0.14, p=0.001), previously sought cancer information (β=–0.19, p=0.002), had a family history of cancer (β=–0.19, p=0.005), were less fatalistic (β=–0.08, p=0.036), and were Hispanic (β=–0.25, p=.009) or Black (β=–0.47, p<0.001) endorsed a greater desire to know about a genetic predisposition to cancer. Conclusions: Efforts are needed to improve understanding of hereditary susceptibility, address fatalistic beliefs and misinformation, facilitate disclosure of family cancer history indicative of a potential genetic predisposition to cancer. Impact: Efforts are needed to improve access to genetic counseling and testing through education and targeted interventions.