Cancer genetic testing among a diverse sample of American Muslims

Abstract Background American Muslims face notable cancer disparities. Yet we know little about cancer genetic testing among this group. The current study aims to explore: 1) interest in cancer genetic testing, 2) predictors of interest, focusing on religion and discrimination factors, and 3) preferences for receiving cancer genetic education and testing among a diverse community sample of American Muslims. Methods. We surveyed a community-based convenience sample of 158 American Muslims from the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. Our primary outcome was interest in cancer genetic testing; secondary outcomes were preferred delivery channels and facilitators for receiving genetic education and testing. Predictors included sociodemographics, cancer history, knowledge, and religion and discrimination factors. We conducted descriptive statistics, student’s t-tests, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results. Participants ranged 18 to 72 years (Mean = 34). The majority were foreign-born (62%). Seventy six percent strongly agreed or agreed with interest in testing. Only spirituality (OR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.24, 5.96) and discrimination in healthcare due to looking Muslim (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.23, 6.39) were independently associated with interest in testing. Participants most preferred cancer genetic education via: a document (83%), doctor (80%), genetic counselor (80%), or a website (79%). Participants least preferred a chatbot (30%). Participants most highly endorsed as facilitators of testing: informational materials (59%), insurance coverage (59%), at-home testing kits (52%), and integrating testing into routine care (44%). Discussion & Conclusions Addressing religion and discrimination factors may promote access to cancer genetic testing among the under-researched population of American Muslims, as well as aligning future interventions with their preferences.