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Insights into BRCA1/2 Genetic Counseling from Ethnically Diverse Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

Despite the disproportionate underuse of genetic counseling and testing for BRCA1/2 (BRCA)-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) risk among Latinas, little is known about the associated barriers and facilitators. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 at-risk Latina women from diverse backgrounds. Eligible women were diagnosed with breast cancer <50 years, with or without a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer (>1 first-degree relative diagnosed <50 years). All interviews were conducted in Spanish, audio recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Two bilingual coders used thematic analyses to identify 7 main themes. Results revealed very low levels of awareness and knowledge about HBOC and BRCA genetic counseling. Interestingly, for most Latinas, competing life demands and cultural concerns (fatalismo and destino) did not strongly influence personal beliefs about genetic counseling. In addition, older women were equally as interested in education, cancer prevention, and BRCA genetic counseling as younger women. These findings suggest that Latinas, regardless of age, increasingly acknowledge and prioritize their own health. Women reported their main motivator to undergo counseling was concern about family members’ cancer risks. Main barriers included financial and insurance concerns, and lack of awareness about genetic services. Investigating the beliefs and attitudes of diverse populations of Latinas at risk for HBOC reveals logistical barriers to BRCA genetic counseling uptake within this under-represented community. Efforts are needed to provide at-risk Latina breast cancer survivors’ knowledge of and access to genetic counseling and testing based on risk status and Latinas’ increasing responsiveness and uptake of these services.

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Notes

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXSE--7LzYU

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Nueva Vida, Inc. for their assistance in recruitment, as well as the women who participated in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Science, School of Nursing and Health, Georgetown University, 3700 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, USA

    Neha Rajpal

  2. Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA

    Neha Rajpal, Juliana Muñoz, Beth N. Peshkin & Kristi D. Graves

  3. Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA

    Beth N. Peshkin

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  1. Neha Rajpal
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  2. Juliana Muñoz
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Correspondence to Neha Rajpal.

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Ms. Rajpal, Ms. Munoz, Ms. Peshkin, and Dr. Graves declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human Studies and Informed Consent

All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000. Informed consent was obtained from all patients for being included in the study.

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Rajpal, N., Muñoz, J., Peshkin, B.N. et al. Insights into BRCA1/2 Genetic Counseling from Ethnically Diverse Latina Breast Cancer Survivors. J Genet Counsel 26, 1221–1237 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-017-0096-5

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