Assessment of education and counselling offered by a familial colorectal cancer clinic.

We have evaluated whether or not client expectations, in terms of education and information needs, have been met by a multi-disciplinary familial colorectal cancer clinic. The study used a pre- and post-clinic questionnaire design and 126 (84 women, 42 men) clients of the clinic participated. The most common reason for coming to the clinic is to 'find out whether there is a gene for colorectal cancer in the family', followed by 'to reduce risk for bowel cancer' and 'concern for children's risk'. Clients would have preferred to receive more information before attendance at the clinic to help with preparation. Information given during the clinic increased knowledge of bowel cancer genetics and had a positive effect on the accuracy of some clients' perceptions of their risk of developing cancer. In multivariate analysis, higher risk perceptions, higher education level and greater baseline knowledge predicted post-clinic knowledge of bowel cancer genetics and an increase in knowledge. Client reports of the presence of a genetic counsellor or medical geneticist in the session also predicted post-clinic knowledge and an increase in knowledge. Most participants felt they received enough information during the clinic session on various aspects of familial colorectal cancer, but the desire for more written information on prevention, including lifestyle actions, was expressed by many.