Attitudes toward genetic testing for colon cancer risk.

This study examined public interest regarding genetic testing for colon cancer susceptibility. Survey data were collected from 383 adults in Utah. Respondents were very (47.3%) or somewhat (36.6%) interested in taking this genetic test. Nearly 95% reported that they would share their results with others. Individuals with higher income and with a perceived risk of getting colon cancer were the most interested in testing. Individuals without health insurance and widowed individuals were the least likely to share their test results. If respondents were told that they carried a gene for colon cancer, most would be concerned with how to reduce their risk of getting the disease.