Anticipated uptake of genetic testing for familial melanoma in an Australian sample: An exploratory study

The potential role of genetic testing in families with an inherited pattern of melanoma is a complex issue, and yet limited data exist on perceptions of predictive genetic testing for mutations among individuals at high risk of melanoma.

Forty semi-structured interviews were undertaken with affected and unaffected individuals at either high or average risk of developing melanoma due to family history. Interviews addressed key issues such as: the role of genetics in causal attributions for melanoma; genetic testing intentions and motivations; perceived accuracy of genetic testing in predicting melanoma onset, and the impact of varied accuracy on testing intentions; views on the testing of children; perceived benefits and limitations of testing; and information needs and communication preferences.

In-depth thematic analysis revealed a number of important qualitative differences between groups at varying risk of melanoma, and genders. Specifically, participants with a family history of melanoma believed genetic factors play an important role in melanoma causation; conveyed strong intentions to pursue genetic testing; and viewed the benefits of genetic testing as outweighing the limitations. Females appeared to endorse the testing of children more firmly than males, and males' intentions to pursue testing appeared more contingent on penetrance than females'. Across groups, the most preferred communication option was an informational video.

Those at high risk of melanoma due to family history express a strong interest in predictive genetic testing.