• Skip to main content
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
ERN: Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM

ERN: Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM

  • About
    • About AAAS
    • About the NSF
    • About the Conference
    • Partners/Supporters
    • Project Team
  • Conference
  • Abstracts
    • Undergraduate Abstract Locator
    • Graduate Abstract Locator
    • Abstract Submission Process
    • Presentation Schedules
    • Abstract Submission Guidelines
    • Presentation Guidelines
  • Travel Awards
  • Resources
    • Award Winners
    • Code of Conduct-AAAS Meetings
    • Code of Conduct-ERN Conference
    • Conference Agenda
    • Conference Materials
    • Conference Program Books
    • ERN Photo Galleries
    • Events | Opportunities
    • Exhibitor Info
    • HBCU-UP/CREST PI/PD Meeting
    • In the News
    • NSF Harassment Policy
    • Plenary Session Videos
    • Professional Development
    • Science Careers Handbook
    • Additional Resources
    • Archives
  • Engage
    • Webinars
    • ERN 10-Year Anniversary Videos
    • Plenary Session Videos
  • Contact Us
  • Login

Testing the Feasibility of Genetic Testing in African-American Women with the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Undergraduate #94
Discipline: Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
Subcategory: Social Sciences/Psychology/Economics

Karien Dixon - Tougaloo College
Co-Author(s): Ailis Powderly, Laura Muller, and Laura Bierut



Introduction: As a result of high incidence and mortality rates, breast cancer remains a major health problem for women in the United States and other parts of the world. The incidence rate of breast cancer in African-American women is much lower than Caucasian women; however, the mortality rate due to breast cancer in African-American women is significantly higher than the general population. One reason may be due to limited knowledge about the genetic contributors of breast cancer in African-American women.
Hypothesis: African-American community would participate in genetic research if provided an opportunity.
Methods: We recruited community-based women who self-identified as African American and had/have breast cancer. A computer-assisted interview was administered to collect information regarding the participants’ personal and family health histories. We also assessed participants’ perceptions of risk and health care planning and whether they had received previous genetic testing. Participants provided a saliva sample, which was sent to Color Genomics, Inc. for genetic testing.
Results: Eighty-nine (89) African-American women with breast cancer were invited to participate, and 36 accepted, for a participation rate of 41%. Fifty-three (53) women refused to participate; 38 reported study-related reasons such as disinterest or not wanting to get genetic testing; 15 reported participant-related reasons such as fatigue or lack of transportation. The average age of participants was 58, with a range of 29-81. Women who were referred by their physician were 38% more likely to participate than those referred by another source. Of the 36 participants, 61.1% reported having a biological parent or a sibling with cancer. The sample was highly educated, with an average education level of 3 years of college, and all participants were high school graduates. Over 31% of participants reported having previous genetic testing. Of the 22 participants who have received genetic results from Color Genomics, 1 was positive for a genetic mutation and 7 have received complimentary genetic counseling to date.
Conclusion: Contrary to popularly held beliefs, African-American women will participate in genetic research studies. However, the education level of this sample was much higher than the average for the St. Louis region. Over half of the participants reported having a parent or a sibling with cancer, which may suggest inherited genetic mutations increase the risk of breast cancer. Results also indicate that breast cancer patients may be more receptive to genetic testing when referred by their oncologists. Future directions are to conduct follow up interviews with participants to access their understanding of genetic results.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): Jackson Heart Study, Amgen Scholars Foundation, Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation, Siteman Cancer Center

Faculty Advisor: Laura Bierut, bierutl@psychiatry.wustl.edu

Role: I recruited, interviewed, and took saliva samples from participants.

Sidebar

Abstract Locators

  • Undergraduate Abstract Locator
  • Graduate Abstract Locator

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

AAAS

1200 New York Ave, NW
Washington,DC 20005
202-326-6400
Contact Us
About Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

The World’s Largest General Scientific Society

Useful Links

  • Membership
  • Careers at AAAS
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Focus Areas

  • Science Education
  • Science Diplomacy
  • Public Engagement
  • Careers in STEM

Focus Areas

  • Shaping Science Policy
  • Advocacy for Evidence
  • R&D Budget Analysis
  • Human Rights, Ethics & Law

© 2023 American Association for the Advancement of Science