Factors Influencing Communication of Cancer Risk Information to Family Members Among Asian-Americans Seen for Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment

Communication of cancer risk information within families is important in cancer prevention and control. Little is known about the beliefs, practices, and barriers related to this communication among Asian-Americans referred for genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA). Baseline demographic and clinical data and family risk communication beliefs for Asians referred for GCRA at cancer genetic clinics in the U.S. between 2004 and 2011 were used to describe the cohort and compare to prospective data from a mailed survey of risk communication practices and barriers 1 year post-GCRA. Analyses included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Respondents (n = 274), mostly females (94%) previously diagnosed with breast cancer (69%), highly educated, and English proficient, indicated that they had a duty to inform their relatives of cancer risk (89%) that was strictly a personal duty (76%) to be undertaken only in person (51%). Among the 98 follow-up respondents to date, 93% reported informing their relatives of cancer risk post-GCRA, primar primarily their children and maternal relatives. Only 15% reported communication barriers, including loss of contact and concern about upsetting relatives. No significant differences were identified by Asian sub-group or other demographics or cancer history. Findings add to the sparse literature about the beliefs, practices, and barriers related to cancer risk communication by Asians seen for GCRA. As reported in Europeanand Latino-Americans, most Asian-Americans executed their perceived duty to inform relatives of cancer risk, although less often with distant and paternal relatives. Findings suggest high practice of, and few barriers to, Asian-American's intrafamilial cancer risk communications post-GCRA. Further research is needed to support or refute these findings. Knowledge of the beliefs, practices, and barriers of Asian- American patients is important in providing culturally competent care. Targeted strategies to promote intrafamilial cancer risk communication based on Asian-American ethnicity may be unnecessary. The project described was supported by Award Number RC4CA153828 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health.