Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk

Is the Community Willing to Pay for It

Bibliographic Data

ID15499905
AuthorsAzimatun Noor Aizuddin (0000-0001-8050-4150, National University of Malaysia, corresponding author), Abdul Rahman Ramdzan (0000-0003-1067-7640, Universiti of Malaysia Sabah, corresponding author), Sharifah Azween Syed Omar (National University of Malaysia), Zuria Mahmud (National University of Malaysia), Zarina Abdul Latiff (0000-0003-3101-8994, National University of Malaysia), Salleh Amat (0000-0002-5687-3041, National University of Malaysia), Keng Wee Teik (0000-0003-3455-5285, Hospital Kuala Lumpur), Gaik-Siew Ch’ng (0000-0001-7595-1618, Hospital Kuala Lumpur), Ch’ng Gaik Siew (Genetic Department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur 50586, Malaysia), Haniza Rais (0000-0001-9596-1792, International Islamic University Malaysia), Syed Mohamed Aljunid (0000-0002-0380-1335, Kuwait University)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue16
Pages8752-8752
Publication date2021-08-19
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18168752
PMID34444499
OpenAlexW3195927262
LanguageEN
References cited32

With the increasing number of cancer cases worldwide, genetic testing for familiar cancers seems inevitable, yet little is known on population interest and the monetary value for cancer genetic risk information. The current study aimed to determine the willingness to undergo and pay for cancer genetic testing among the Malaysian population. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to cancer patients and their family members in the oncology and daycare units in several government hospitals. Of 641 respondents (354 patients, 287 family members), 267 (41.7%) were willing to undergo cancer genetic testing. The median that respondents were willing to pay was USD 48.31 (MYR 200.00) IQR USD 96.91 (MYR 400), while 143 (22.3%) respondents were willing to pay a shared cost with the insurance company. Regression analysis identified independent positive predictors of willingness to pay as respondent's status as a family member, high education level, and willingness to undergo cancer genetic testing in general, while in patients, female gender and high level of education were identified as independent positive predictors. Generally, the population needs more information to undergo and pay for cancer genetic testing. This will increase the utilization of the services offered, and with cost-sharing practices with the provider, it can be implemented population-wide

Cancer · Economics · Environmental health · Family medicine · Genetic testing · Government (linguistics · Population · Respondent · Willingness to pay · BRCA gene mutations in cancer · Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics · Demography · Genetic factors in colorectal cancer · Medicine · Internal Medicine