Let's Talk: Overcoming Barriers to Uptake of Cascade Screening Through a Stakeholder-informed Online Intervention
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Summary
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that increases cancer risk. The public health impact of genetic testing for disease prevention hinges on cascade screening, which is the systematic identification and testing of blood relatives after a family member has been diagnosed with a genetic condition. Despite its importance in disease prevention, only half of first-degree relatives of individuals with Lynch syndrome undergo cascade screening. To address this gap, the study will pilot test an online version of Let's Talk, a novel intervention designed to support and promote cascade screening. This intervention tool is designed to support and encourage more family members to get screened. The purpose of this study aim is to assess the feasibility of the online Let's Talk tool in clinical use by examining implementation and effectiveness outcomes related to the use of the planning tool across three clinics at a large academic-affiliated medical center with patients (n=15) seen by one of five genetic counselors (n=5).
Description
The overall objective of this research study is to design an interactive online format for Let's Talk content, and pilot test Let's Talk to gain feasibility data for its clinical use among patients diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. The rationale for this study is that it has the potential to improve cascade screening uptake and could be adapted to other hereditary conditions in future work. The expected outcomes of this project will move the field forward in addressing barriers to cascade screening and will inform cascade screening for Lynch syndrome as well as for other conditions, such as hered…