Interest and Informational Preferences Regarding Genomic Testing for Modest Increases in Colorectal Cancer Risk

Abstract

Background/Aims: This study explored the interest in genomic testing for modest changes in colorectal cancer risk and preferences for receiving genomic risk communications among individuals with intermediate disease risk due to a family history of colorectal cancer. Methods: Surveys were conducted on 272 men and women at intermediate risk for colorectal cancer enrolled in a randomized trial comparing a remote personalized risk communication intervention (TeleCARE) aimed at promoting colonoscopy to a generic print control condition. Guided by Leventhal's Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation, we examined demographic and psychosocial factors possibly associated with interest in SNP testing. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with interest in SNP testing and preferences for receiving genomic risk communications. Results: Three-fourths of participants expressed interest in SNP testing for colorectal cancer risk. Testing interest did not markedly change across behavior modifier scenarios. Participants preferred to receive genomic risk communications from a variety of sources: printed materials (69.5%), oncologists (54.8%), primary-care physicians (58.4%), and the web (58.1%). Overall, persons who were unmarried (p = 0.029), younger (p = 0.003) and with greater cancer-related fear (p = 0.019) were more likely to express interest in predictive genomic testing for colorectal cancer risk. In a stratified analysis, cancer-related fear was associated with the interest in predictive genomic testing in the intervention group (p = 0.017), but not the control group. Conclusions: Individuals with intermediate familial risk for colorectal cancer are highly interested in genomic testing for modest increases in disease risk, specifically unmarried persons, younger age groups and those with greater cancer fear.

Factors Associated with Interest in Gene‐Panel Testing and Risk Communication Preferences in Women from BRCA1/2 Negative Families

“…It is possible that many of the study participants were primed to expect high quality information from various sources. Our results agree with similar studies showing that a majority of participants prefer to receive genetic information through a physician or genetic counselor and also prefer print materials (Anderson et al, 2014; McGuire et al, 2009). …”

“…Unmarried participants reported a greater interest in genetic testing, but this factor was not significant in multivariable analysis. The relationship between marital status and interest in cancer genetic testing is inconsistent across studies and could be a reflection of the different populations studied (Anderson et al, 2014; Graves et al, 2011; Weinrich et al, 2002). However, our current finding (unmarried women were more interested in testing) is consistent with findings from our previous study regarding interest in multiplex testing for colorectal cancer risk (Anderson et al, 2014).…”

“…The relationship between marital status and interest in cancer genetic testing is inconsistent across studies and could be a reflection of the different populations studied (Anderson et al, 2014; Graves et al, 2011; Weinrich et al, 2002). However, our current finding (unmarried women were more interested in testing) is consistent with findings from our previous study regarding interest in multiplex testing for colorectal cancer risk (Anderson et al, 2014). Younger age has been found to be associated with interest in genetic testing in other studies, but it was not significantly associated with interest in genetic testing for this population of women.…”

Uptake of polygenic risk information among women at increased risk of breast cancer

“…Despite commercial availability, there is limited data reporting on the implementation of polygenic breast cancer risk information and uptake of the test. Prior studies have been limited to hypothetical scenarios or based on single SNP testing . These studies have reported a high interest in SNP testing, with interest ranging from 74% to 80% .…”

Health-Related Genetic Direct-to-Consumer Tests in the German Setting: The Available Offer and the Potential Implications for a Solidarily Financed Health-Care System

“…In the population, health awareness is a growing issue [1,63] . In connection with the ongoing reports of new genetic findings, curiosity and interest about health risks also increase [64,65] . Vayena [66] investigated the reasons for undergoing genetic testing.…”