Section Editor: Aad Tibben, email: a.tibben@lumc.nl

Colonoscopy use following mutation detection in Lynch syndrome: exploring a role for cancer screening in adaptation

  1. DW Hadley1,*,
  2. S Ashida1,2,
  3. JF Jenkins3,
  4. KA Calzone4,
  5. IR Kirsch4,
  6. LM Koehly1

Article first published online: 19 JAN 2011

DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01622.x

Issue

Clinical Genetics

Clinical Genetics

Volume 79, Issue 4, pages 321–328, April 2011

Additional Information

How to Cite

Hadley, D., Ashida, S., Jenkins, J., Calzone, K., Kirsch, I. and Koehly, L. (2011), Colonoscopy use following mutation detection in Lynch syndrome: exploring a role for cancer screening in adaptation. Clinical Genetics, 79: 321–328. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01622.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Social Network Methods Section, Social & Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD

  2. 2

    Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN

  3. 3

    Office of the Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD

  4. 4

    Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA

*Donald W. Hadley, MS, CGC, Social & Behavioral Research Branch, NHGRI/NIH/DHHS, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2073, Building 31, Room B1B37F, Bethesda, MD 20892-2073, USA. Tel.: +301 496 3980; fax: +301 480 3108; e-mail: dhadley@mail.nih.gov

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 4 MAR 2011
  2. Article first published online: 19 JAN 2011
  3. Accepted manuscript online: 28 DEC 2010 01:26AM EST
  4. Received 22 October 2010, revised and accepted for publication 22 December 2010

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Keywords:

  • colonoscopy;
  • genetic testing;
  • health behavior;
  • HNPCC/ L ynch syndrome

Hadley DW, Ashida S, Jenkins JF, Calzone KA, Kirsch IR, Koehly LM. Colonoscopy use following mutation detection in Lynch syndrome: exploring a role for cancer screening in adaptation.

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common inherited form of colorectal cancer. Mutation carriers can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with colorectal cancer through colonoscopy. Theoretical models suggest that such health-related behaviors might also bring psychological benefits. This study assessed whether colonoscopy following mutation detection was associated with the levels of depressive symptoms. Data were obtained from a prospective family cohort study offering genetic services for LS. Participants completed questionnaires prior to the provision of services and 6 months post-receipt of mutation results. One hundred thirty-four (134) persons were identified to carry a mutation and completed both the questionnaires. Main outcome measures were depressive symptoms 6 months post-receipt of test results. Mutation carriers who did not complete a colonoscopy within the 6 months following receipt of results were six times (p < 0.01; odds ratio = 6.06) more likely to report depressive symptoms at a level of clinical importance post-receipt of test results compared to those who did undergo colonoscopy. Facilitating the expeditious use of colonoscopy following mutation detection may benefit newly identified mutation carriers by addressing the objective risks for cancer and moderating underlying emotional distress responses to genetic risk information. Furthermore, depressive symptoms may interfere with behavioral compliance in some patients, suggesting referral to mental health specialists.

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