Awareness and attitudes toward BRCA1/2 genetic testing among at-risk women in Egypt.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a structured educational awareness program on the knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral engagement of women at risk for breast cancer toward BRCA1/2 genetic testing

METHODS

A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted in the outpatient clinics of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute. A total of 574 at-risk women were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, breast cancer risk awareness, and knowledge and attitudes toward BRCA1/2 testing. The educational intervention comprised three interactive sessions delivered over a three-month period.

RESULTS

Knowledge scores regarding BRCA1/2 genetic testing increased significantly from 6.87 ± 2.95 at baseline to 12.74 ± 3.42 post-intervention (p < 0.001). Attitude scores similarly improved from 5.40 ± 2.04-9.67 ± 2.44 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The awareness program effectively enhanced at-risk women's understanding and attitudes toward BRCA1/2 genetic testing, supporting its value as an educational strategy for at-risk populations.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Integrating structured awareness programs into routine oncology and primary care practice may strengthen genetic literacy, promote informed decision-making, and encourage preventive health behaviors among women at hereditary risk, especially in low-resource settings.