| This study examines consumer knowledge and attitudes about the enactment of the 2008 Federal Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA), and genetic discrimination. Genetic discrimination has been a growing concern over the last decade, and the enactment of GINA is predicted to increase patient protection regarding genetic testing. Anonymized data was collected from three sources: members of the advocacy group Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), clients seen in the Division of Human Genetics Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at The Ohio State University, and clients seen at the Bennett Cancer Center Clinical Genetics Programs at Stamford Hospital. Data was assessed for knowledge and attitude of genetic discrimination. The majority of individuals have a neutral attitude in regards genetic discrimination, and moderate knowledge. Both provider and consumer education of genetic discrimination and genetic discrimination legislation need to be improved in the future, as genetic information continues to be further integrated into medical care and prevention. |
