Patient Perspectives on Personalized Risk Communication Using Polygenic Risk Scores to Inform Colorectal Cancer...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising in individuals under 50.
• New U.S. guidelines recommend CRC screening start at age 45.
• Polygenic risk scores (PRS) offer personalized risk assessment for CRC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient understanding of PRS results.
• To evaluate the use of PRS in informing CRC screening decisions.
• To explore patient engagement with personalized genetic risk information.

Main Methods:

• 20 adults aged 46-51 years, offered but not yet screened for CRC, provided saliva for PRS analysis.
• Participants underwent semistructured interviews post-PRS results.
• Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative interview data.

Main Results:

• 19 participants completed PRS testing and interviews.
• One participant had high PRS for CRC.
• Interviews revealed participant understanding, trust in PRS, risk perception, and screening intentions.

Conclusions:

• Participants demonstrated understanding and interest in their PRS results.
• Further research is needed to develop guidelines and educational materials for PRS implementation.
• Provider engagement strategies are crucial for integrating PRS into clinical practice.