Assessing relatives' readiness for hereditary cancer cascade genetic testing
Erica M Bednar1,2, Charlotte C Sun3, Sheryl McCurdy4
1Clinical Cancer Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. embednar@mdanderson.org.
Most relatives unaware of hereditary cancer risks are not ready for genetic testing. Further research is needed to understand barriers to cascade genetic testing (CGT) for cancer predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hereditary cancer predispositions require proactive management.
- Cascade genetic testing (CGT) is crucial for identifying at-risk relatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the readiness of untested first-degree relatives (FDRs) for CGT.
- To understand factors influencing FDRs' uptake of CGT for hereditary cancer.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous online survey of 150 adults with hereditary cancer predisposition.
- Assessed FDRs' awareness, CGT uptake, and readiness using transtheoretical model stages of change.
Main Results:
- 70.3% of 825 FDRs aware of the cancer variant; 30.5% completed CGT.
- Siblings, mothers, sisters, and daughters showed higher awareness and CGT rates.
- 79.4% of living, untested FDRs were in the precontemplation stage.
Conclusions:
- Most living, untested FDRs are not ready for CGT within six months.
- Readiness for CGT is low, indicating a need for targeted interventions.
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