Acceptance, motivators, and barriers in attending breast cancer genetic counseling in Asians

Aim: Cancer genetic risk assessment clinics represent the primary prevention arm in oncology in identifying high-risk patients for screening and prevention, but deals with the taboo subject of cancer risk prediction. Low knowledge level and traditional beliefs may pose significant barriers to its acceptance in Asia. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey to evaluate the acceptance of breast cancer genetic counseling. Results: More than 70% of the 438 respondents indicated interest and perceived potential benefits. Higher education level and use of English were associated with greater acceptance. Learning about cancer risk and cancer detection, helping the family, and the doctor's recommendation, were important motivators, while misperception that cancer patients could not gain personally, concerns of not understanding the information, cost issues, and fears of bad news, were important barriers. Conclusions: Singaporean women were receptive to cancer genetics counseling. Education to correct misperceptions may optimize utilization of a cancer genetics service.