A K Smit1,2, L A Keogh3, A J Newson2, P N Butow4, K Dunlop5, R L Morton6,7, J Kirk8, D Espinoza6, A E Cust1,7. 1. Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Australia. 2. Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Australia. 3. Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia. 4. Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia. 5. The Centre for Genetics Education, NSW Health, Sydney, Australia. 6. NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Australia. 7. Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Australia. 8. Westmead Clinical School and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Receiving information about genomic risk of melanoma might trigger conversations about skin cancer prevention and skin examinations. OBJECTIVES: To explore conversations prompted by receiving personalized genomic risk of melanoma with family, friends and health professionals. METHODS: We used a mixed-methods approach. Participants without a personal history and unselected for a family history of melanoma (n = 103, aged 21-69 years, 53% women) completed questionnaires 3 months after receiving a personalized melanoma genomic risk assessment. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with 30 participants in high, average and low genomic risk categories, and data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: From the questionnaires, 74% of participants communicated their genomic risk information with family, and 49% with friends. Communication with a health professional differed by risk level: 41%, 16% and 12% for high, average and low risk, respectively (P = 0·01). Qualitative analysis showed that perceived 'shared risk' and perceived interest of family and friends were motivations for discussing risk or prevention behaviours. The information prompted conversations with family and health professionals about sun protection and skin checks, and general conversations about melanoma risk with friends. Reasons for not discussing with family included existing personal or family health concerns, or existing high levels of sun protection behaviour among family members. CONCLUSIONS: Personalized melanoma genomic risk information can prompt risk-appropriate discussions about skin cancer prevention and skin examinations with family and health professionals. Sharing this information with others might increase its impact on melanoma prevention and skin examination behaviours, and this process could be used to encourage healthy behaviour change within families.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Receiving information about genomic risk of melanoma might trigger conversations about skin cancer prevention and skin examinations. OBJECTIVES: To explore conversations prompted by receiving personalized genomic risk of melanoma with family, friends and health professionals. METHODS: We used a mixed-methods approach. Participants without a personal history and unselected for a family history of melanoma (n = 103, aged 21-69 years, 53% women) completed questionnaires 3 months after receiving a personalized melanoma genomic risk assessment. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with 30 participants in high, average and low genomic risk categories, and data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: From the questionnaires, 74% of participants communicated their genomic risk information with family, and 49% with friends. Communication with a health professional differed by risk level: 41%, 16% and 12% for high, average and low risk, respectively (P = 0·01). Qualitative analysis showed that perceived 'shared risk' and perceived interest of family and friends were motivations for discussing risk or prevention behaviours. The information prompted conversations with family and health professionals about sun protection and skin checks, and general conversations about melanoma risk with friends. Reasons for not discussing with family included existing personal or family health concerns, or existing high levels of sun protection behaviour among family members. CONCLUSIONS: Personalized melanoma genomic risk information can prompt risk-appropriate discussions about skin cancer prevention and skin examinations with family and health professionals. Sharing this information with others might increase its impact on melanoma prevention and skin examination behaviours, and this process could be used to encourage healthy behaviour change within families.
Authors: Amelia K Smit; Ainsley J Newson; Louise Keogh; Megan Best; Kate Dunlop; Kylie Vuong; Judy Kirk; Phyllis Butow; Lyndal Trevena; Anne E Cust Journal: BJGP Open Date: 2019-02-20
Authors: Xuewei Chen; Jennifer L Hay; Erika A Waters; Marc T Kiviniemi; Caitlin Biddle; Elizabeth Schofield; Yuelin Li; Kimberly Kaphingst; Heather Orom Journal: J Health Commun Date: 2018-08-30
Authors: Amelia K Smit; Gillian Reyes-Marcelino; Louise Keogh; Kate Dunlop; Ainsley J Newson; Anne E Cust Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2020-06-29 Impact factor: 3.295