The Population Need in Genetic Tests for Predisposition to Breast Cancer

Abstract

The article presents the results of sociological survey of women of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russia) concerning establishment of level of awareness about risks of development of oncologic diseases, need for application of genetic tests determining predisposition to breast and ovary cancer and also motives of acceptance or nonacceptance of existing modes of diagnostic and prevention of oncologic diseases. The breast and ovary cancer are among the most prevalent causes of female mortality in Russia. It is established that females with gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a higher risk of development of breast and ovary cancer. Therefore, to determine character of genes BRCA in human genome is actual for prevention of oncologic diseases. The early diagnostic of oncologic diseases can significantly increase effectiveness of struggle with similar illnesses. The obtained data shows superficial awareness of Russian females about problem of breast and ovary cancer. The majority knows about existence of gene predisposition to disease but are not aware of characteristics of diagnostic, prevention and treatment of of these types of oncologic diseases. The female respondents in most cases are favorable to pass genetic diagnostic. However, they demonstrate nonacceptance of such radical mode of problem solution as preventive surgery of ablation of potentially dangerous organ. The most of female respondents prefer strategies of traditional monitoring for early detection of disease. The main causes of refusal of early gene diagnostic and preventive surgery are related, besides psychological and personal phobias, to such factors as distrust to health care system and uncertainty in qualification and accessibility of medical care.