Awareness and use of genetic testing: An analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey 2020

Purpose: Genetic testing is a tool used in a variety of settings for medical and nonhealth related purposes. The goal of this analysis was to better understand the awareness and use of genetic testing in the United States. Methods: Data from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey 5 cycle 4 were used to assess the awareness and use of genetic testing by demographic characteristics, personal cancer history, and family cancer history. Results: Overall, 75% of participants were aware of genetic testing and 19% of participants had genetic testing. Ancestry testing was the most common type of testing that the participants were aware of and had received. Non-Hispanic Asian, Non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic respondents and participants with incomes less than $20,000 were less likely to be aware of and have received any type of genetic testing than the Non-Hispanic White participants and participants with higher income, respectively. Participants with a family history of cancer were more likely to be aware of cancer genetic testing than those without, and participants with a personal history of cancer were more likely to have had cancer genetic testing. Conclusion: It appears awareness of genetic testing is increasing in the United States, and differences in awareness persist by race/ethnicity and income.