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Original Article
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Colon cancer screening practices and disclosure after receipt of positive or inconclusive genetic test results for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer†‡§
Article first published online: 17 JUN 2009
DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24478
Copyright © 2009 American Cancer Society
Additional Information
How to Cite
Ersig, A. L., Hadley, D. W. and Koehly, L. M. (2009), Colon cancer screening practices and disclosure after receipt of positive or inconclusive genetic test results for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. Cancer, 115: 4071–4079. doi: 10.1002/cncr.24478
- †
The data were collected through a protocol monitored by the institutional review boards at the National Human Genome Research Institute (Protocol #95-HG-0165) and the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC.1995.0045).
- ‡
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Departments of the Navy, Defense, and Health and Human Services, or the US Government.
- §
This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 4 SEP 2009
- Article first published online: 17 JUN 2009
- Manuscript Accepted: 3 FEB 2009
- Manuscript Revised: 28 JAN 2009
- Manuscript Received: 23 OCT 2008
Funded by
- Intramural Research Programs of the National Human Genome Research Institute
- National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health
- Abstract
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- Cited By
Keywords:
- hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer;
- health behavior;
- cancer screening
Index cases with inconclusive genetic test results were less likely to have been screened at 12-month follow-up and less likely to share their test results with a healthcare provider at 6-month follow-up. Index cases who disclosed their test results to their children were more likely to have been screened at 12-month follow-up, after controlling for mutational status.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Patients who receive conclusive genetic test results for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) tend to adopt appropriate colorectal cancer screening behaviors and disclose their test results. However, little is known about the disclosure processes or screening behaviors of individuals who receive inconclusive genetic test results. This study compared endoscopy use and disclosure between individuals with positive and inconclusive genetic test results, within a year after results were received.
METHODS:
Individuals with a personal history of cancer and suspected of having HNPCC participated in genetics education and counseling, underwent HNPCC testing, and received genetic test results (GCT) within a prospective cohort study. Demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral data were obtained from questionnaires and interviews completed before and after GCT.
RESULTS:
Index cases with inconclusive genetic test results were less likely to screen within 12 months. Index cases who disclosed test results to children within 6 months were more likely to screen within 12 months, controlling for mutation status. Index cases with inconclusive genetic test results were less likely to share results with a healthcare provider within 6 months. Index cases who disclosed genetic test results to healthcare providers within 6 months were more likely to have endoscopy within 12 months.
CONCLUSIONS:
Genetic test results and disclosure significantly affected colon cancer screening at 12-month follow-up. Interventions to improve adherence to colorectal cancer screening should consider increased education of those receiving inconclusive results and encourage disclosure to healthcare providers and family members. Cancer 2009. Published 2009 by the American Cancer Society.