Rethinking Agency for Genetic Testing Intention Among Latinos: A New Approach to Cancer Research

Strategic Insights -

Research at the University of Pennsylvania has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the intentions of Latinos regarding genetic testing for cancer. The study, published in Genetics in Medicine, aimed to explore the factors influencing carrier screening and cancer predisposition testing among this demographic. Using the Integrated Behavioral Model, researchers identified agency as a crucial predictor of behavioral intention, highlighting the need for empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that attitudes and clinical processes have been understudied in genetic testing contexts, particularly among Latino groups.
  • Behavioral intention is a consistent predictor of uptake of behavior, with many theoretical roots, including the Integrated Behavioral Model.
  • The research modeled the relationships between attitudes, norms, and perceived agency with behavioral intention for both carrier screening and cancer predisposition testing for a Latino-only cohort.
  • Agency was the most consistent predictor for both testing types, with a coefficient of 0.381 (P < 0.01).
  • The study concluded that more effort should be made to address agency to empower patients for improved genetic testing access.
  • The research findings suggest that addressing agency is essential to empower patients, particularly Latinos, to make informed decisions about their genetic health.

Statistics:

  • The study used structural equation modeling to examine the relationships between attitudes, norms, and perceived agency with behavioral intention for carrier screening and cancer predisposition testing.
  • Agency was the most consistent predictor for both testing types, with a coefficient of 0.381 (P < 0.01).
  • The research found that factor loadings less than 0.50 were removed from the measurement model.

Sources:

  • Rethinking Agency for Genetic Testing Intention Among Latinos: Determining Predictors of Intention for Carrier Screening and Cancer Predisposition Testing. Genetics in Medicine, 2025;27(8): Genetics in Medicine can be contacted at: Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA.
  • University of Pennsylvania, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Philadelphia, PA, United States. (Source: University of Pennsylvania, Division of Hematology-Oncology)
  • NewsRx. Researchers at University of Pennsylvania Target Cancer (Rethinking Agency for Genetic Testing Intention Among Latinos: Determining Predictors of Intention for Carrier Screening and Cancer Predisposition Testing). Health & Medicine Week. August 8, 2025; p 4258. (Source: Health & Medicine Week)