Predictors of perceived value of multi-cancer early detection testing: a national PRECEDE-PROCEED framework study.

BACKGROUND

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests present a paradigm transform in cancer screening by detecting multiple cancer types from one blood sample. While studies have shown high levels of public interest in MCED screening, little is known about factors shaping individuals' perception of the emerging technology. Guided by the PRECEDE-PROCEED framework, we aimed to identify factors associated with the perception of value of MCED testing among American adults.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey cycle 7 (HINTS 7) to identify factors associated with the perceived value of MCED screening. After removing respondents with missing outcome data, our final sample size was 6,728. Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED framework, candidate predictors were grouped into predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors. We used descriptive, survey-weighted analyses, spearman correlation analyses, survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression, and supervised machine learning analyses (logistic regression and random forest) to explore the associations.

RESULTS

Overall, 74.9% of the sample perceived MCED testing as very valuable. Trust-related domains showed the strongest associations with the outcome, including trust in physicians (OR = 1.89), trust in science (OR = 1.80), and trust in the healthcare system (OR = 1.64). Cancer information seeking (OR = 1.59), online health information use (OR = 1.63), smartphone access (OR = 1.54), cancer fatalistic beliefs (OR = 1.52), trust in government (OR = 1.50), knowledge of hepatitis B as a cancer risk factor (OR = 1.48), and family history of cancer (OR = 1.45) were also significantly associated with higher perceived value. Machine learning analyses demonstrated consistent predictor rankings, highlighting trust and health information engagement as the most influential determinants.

CONCLUSIONS

The value of MCED screening was largely driven by trust, cancer information seeking, and access to healthcare and health information resources. Our study highlights the efficacy of the PRECEDE-PROCEED approach to studying factors associated with complex health outcomes. Future implementation strategies should prioritize equitable communication, strengthen public trust, and improve access to reliable health information to facilitate informed decision-making regarding MCED testing.