Assessment Of Patients' Values Towards Genetic Screening For Prostate Cancer

Life Sciences & Biotechnology Update, Feb, 2001

This (University of Michigan) project on assessing patients' values towards prostate cancer genetic screening is determining the values, beliefs, and attitudes that influence a man's decision to undergo or defer genetic testing for prostate cancer risk. The project consists of two stages: (1) the completed Focus Group Phase, in which 12 focus groups, comprising a total of 90 men, have identified key values and beliefs regarding genetic testing for prostate cancer risk, which permits the design of a draft survey instrument; and (2) the Survey Phase (years 2 and 3) in which the draft survey instrument will first be pilot-tested, with final refinement afterwards, followed by a survey to be administered to 300 men recruited from the waiting rooms at three primary care sites. The survey will evaluate those relevant values, social factors, attitudes, and beliefs, that are relevant to genetic screening for prostate cancer risk. As a result, the project will help to better understand the decision- making process of men concerning genetic screening for prostate cancer risk, and will help health professionals who will counsel these men in the decision-making process.

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