Table 1.

Common Themes and Representative Quotations Reflecting Perceived Benefits of Genetic Testing at 3 Time Points

Themes	Representative Quotations
Personal Motivation
	Time 1 (n= 112)	Time 2 (n= 118)	Time 3 (n= 93)
1. For cancer prevention	“I will take better care of myself and seek my check-ups on a more regular schedule.” (36 yr. old married woman with no cancer history); n= 72	“Protect myself, be on top of it.” (28 yr. old single woman with no cancer history and positive test result); n= 73	“Taking action, if any- i.e. removal of ovaries, etc.” (44 yr. old married woman with no cancer history and uninformative negative test result); n= 48
2. To acquire knowledge	“Curiosity, my need to know will be satisfied.” (37 yr. old single woman with history of breast cancer ); n= 47	“Gaining as much info as possible” (49 yr. old married woman with no cancer history and positive test result); n= 53	“Part of personal informational knowledge” (63 yr. old married man with history of both skin and breast cancer and uninformative negative test result); n= 47
3. To alleviate anxiety	“Peace of mind” (46 yr. old married woman with history of breast cancer); n= 18	“Know for sure, not have to worry continuously” (46 yr. old married woman with no cancer history and positive test result); n= 15	“It let me breathe for a little bit.” (37 yr. old single woman with history of breast cancer and uninformative negative test result); n= 12
4. For future planning	“Being able to take appropriate measures like early child bearing” (28 yr. old single woman with no cancer history); n= 6	“Have kids earlier” (57 yr. old married woman with history of breast cancer and positive test result); n= 5	“Get your affairs in order. Make plans” (40 yr. old married woman with no cancer history and uninformative negative result); n= 6
Altruistic Motivation
1. For family’s sake	“I want to be tested so my daughters and granddaughters can be aware and be watched closely to prevent them from having breast and/or ovarian cancer.” (Married woman with history of breast and ovarian cancer); n= 28	“Nothing for me, maybe my daughter, grandchildren” (54 yr. old widowed woman with history of breast cancer and positive test result); n= 57	“Family members can take preventive measures” (63 yr. old married woman with history of breast cancer and positive test result); n= 30
2. For science and research	“Mainly for the good of genetic advances in understanding cancer” (57 yr. old married woman with history of breast cancer); n= 15	“Cancer research, future cure” (42 yr. old married woman with no cancer history and declined testing); n= 24	“Mostly, I did it for science. No benefits for me, but I didn’t expect any.” (47 yr. old married woman with history of breast cancer and uninformative negative test result); n= 6

T1: Pre-Counseling; T2: Post-Counseling; T3:Post-Genetic Testing.