CMA Foundation Studying How Fear of ‘Genetic Discrimination’ Affects Access to Genetic Testing
[Posted 06/16/05]

The CMA Foundation has partnered with the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center to study how physician knowledge about laws protecting patients from “genetic discrimination” influence patient decisions about genetic testing.

Although California law protects patients from genetic discrimination, there is evidence that patients’ fear of such discrimination discourages testing for genetic susceptibility to cancer and other diseases.

“Patients and physicians are understandably concerned that results of genetic testing information could be used to deny patients health insurance or lead to other forms of discrimination,” says Carol Lee, president and CEO of the CMA Foundation. “Although legislation has been passed, many primary care and cancer specialists are unaware of these protections and are reluctant to refer patients for genetic testing.”

As part of the study, approximately 2,000 CMA members have been selected to complete a survey assessing their knowledge of and opinions about genetic testing and discrimination. If you received an invitation to complete the survey, please do so by July 1. Responses are confidential.

The survey results, which will be available in the fall, will be used to create educational materials for physicians and other health care providers to improve patient access to genetic disease testing.

Contact: Lorena Gaytan, assistant project coordinator, 626/256-4673 ext. 62062.