Family cancer history and perceived value of multi-cancer early detection tests in a national U.S. sample.

Abstract

10519 Background: Family history of cancer has a strong influence on individuals’ perceived cancer risk and has been shown to be a key determinant of cancer prevention behaviors. As novel precision-screening technologies such as Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) blood tests emerge, understanding how familial cancer experience shapes public awareness and openness to adoption is essential for equitable implementation. Methods: We analyzed data from a nationally representative survey (Health Information National Trends Survey 7), of U.S. adults aged ≥18 years (N = 5,789). Weighted analyses accounted for complex survey design and population structure. The prevalence of awareness and perceived value of MCED tests among individuals with a family history of cancer, as well as population characteristics, including socio-demographics, family history of cancer, and cancer-related beliefs were estimated. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models evaluated associations between family history and two primary outcomes: awareness and perceived acceptability of MCED adjusting for sociodemographic factors, personal cancer beliefs, and perceived cancer risk. Results: Of the overall study sample, 74.3% reported a family history of cancer. The sample was 50.6% female, 63.3% Non-Hispanic White, 10.9% Black, 16.1% Hispanic, and 4.9% Asian. In total, 17.3% reported prior awareness of MCED tests and 74.2% perceived MCED as valuable. After adjustment, family history of cancer was not associated with MCED awareness (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.66 –1.34; p = 0.71). However, family history was significantly associated with higher acceptability of MCED testing (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.15–1.96; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Adults with a family history of cancer are more willing to adopt Multi-Cancer Early Detection blood tests even without prior awareness. In this study, family history was not associated with MCED awareness but was significantly associated with higher perceived value and acceptability. This contrast suggests that receptivity to MCED may be driven more by perceived risk in the form of prior family history than by knowledge alone. Increasing general awareness may therefore be insufficient to promote broad uptake, highlighting the need to consider differences in risk perception when designing communication strategies as MCED moves toward clinical integration.