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. 2025 Oct 29;17(10):e95699.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.95699. eCollection 2025 Oct.

Predictors of Cancer Genetic Testing Among U.S. Adults: Insights From the Health Information National Trends Survey 7

Ananya Roy  1 , Preksha Singh  1 , Rushi Vaghela  1 , Naqeeya Sabuwala  1 , Abhi Shah  1 , Shreyans Singhvi  2 , Prudence Lam  3
Affiliations

Predictors of Cancer Genetic Testing Among U.S. Adults: Insights From the Health Information National Trends Survey 7

Ananya Roy et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Progress in molecular genomics has increased the accessibility, availability, and affordability of genetic testing to correctly identify individuals at elevated risk for hereditary cancers. Understanding the sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioural factors influencing genetic testing uptake is essential to addressing disparities and guiding targeted interventions.

Aim and objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cancer genetic testing in U.S. adults, while correlating it with various predictors of clinical and behavioural aspects, using data from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey 7 (HINTS 7).

Methods: We analysed data from the HINTS 7, a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey conducted in 2024. The analytic cohort included 514 adult respondents, corresponding to an estimated 20.7 million U.S. adults. Survey-weighted bivariate analyses were used to examine patterns of genetic testing. Additionally, multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for associations between predictors and the likelihood of undergoing cancer genetic testing using Stata 19 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX).

Results: Overall, 23.4% of U.S. adults reported having undergone genetic testing. Compared to respondents aged 18-34, those aged 35-49 (aOR = 4.69, 95% CI: 1.90-11.56) and 50-64 (aOR = 6.60, 95% CI: 2.67-16.33) were significantly more likely to have been tested. Non-Hispanic Black adults (aOR = 5.55, 95% CI: 2.31-13.35) and individuals of "Other" racial/ethnic backgrounds (aOR = 4.37, 95% CI: 1.46-13.06) also had higher odds compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Participants with annual household incomes between $20,000 and $34,999 (aOR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.43-10.11) and those with a personal history of cancer (aOR = 4.32, 95% CI: 1.86-9.99) were more likely to have undergone testing. Notably, higher trust in healthcare providers was inversely associated with testing (aOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04-0.87), whereas use of health/wellness apps increased the odds (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.05-4.26).

Conclusions: Age, race/ethnicity, income, personal cancer history, trust in healthcare providers, and engagement with digital health tools were significant predictors of cancer genetic testing. These findings underscore the need for targeted outreach and education, particularly among younger adults, certain racial/ethnic groups, and individuals with lower engagement in digital health, to ensure equitable access to genetic testing.

Keywords: cancer; genetic testing; genomics; health disparities; health information national trends survey (hints); hereditary cancer; predictors; screening uptake; sociodemographic factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Adjusted odds ratios (log scale) from a survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression of ever having had cancer genetic testing, HINTS 7 (2024).
Points show aORs; bars show 95% CIs; vertical line = 1. Reference groups: age 18–34, male, non-Hispanic White, income <$10,000. Trust in providers = “extremely confident” vs others; wellness app use = yes vs no; N = 514 (weighted to U.S. adults). NH: non-Hispanic; HINTS 7: Health Information National Trends Survey 7, aORs: adjusted odds ratios.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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