Parent-Child Communication and Reproductive Considerations in Families with Genetic Cancer Predisposition Syndromes:...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Genetic testing for heritable conditions, including cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS), is rising.
• Testing youth can reduce uncertainty and inform future health and family planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review parent-child communication and decision-making regarding genetic cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) testing.
• To examine communication and decision-making about reproductive health and family building in the context of CPS risk.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 4161 articles published since January 1, 2000.
• Included 15 articles (5 qualitative, 6 quantitative, 4 mixed-methods) using terms related to youth, pediatrics, decision-making, genetic cancer predispositions, communication, and family building.

Main Results:

• Parents generally support developmentally appropriate disclosure of CPS test results to children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYAs).
• Older age and the child's desire for information correlate with disclosure; risk knowledge influences CAYAs' family-building considerations.
• Parents view informing CAYAs as crucial for adherence to screening and lifestyle recommendations, despite challenges like age and emotional burden.

Conclusions:

• Effective communication strategies are vital for genetic cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) testing in youth.
• Further research is needed on the long-term impact of CPS risk on CAYAs' reproductive health and family-building decisions.