Open AccessUniversal tumor screening for lynch syndrome: perspectives of patients regarding willingness and informed consent
Author(s) -
Anusree Subramonian,
Doug Smith,
Elizabeth Dicks,
Lesa Dawson,
Mark Borgaonkar,
Holly Etchegary
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
personalized medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.489
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1744-828X
pISSN - 1741-0541
DOI - 10.2217/pme-2020-0026
Subject(s) - lynch syndrome , informed consent , medicine , family medicine , colorectal cancer screening , colorectal cancer , genetic testing , health care , oncology , alternative medicine , cancer , colonoscopy , pathology , dna mismatch repair , economics , economic growth
Aim: Lynch Syndrome is associated with a significant risk of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and other cancers. Universal tumor screening is a strategy to identify high-risk individuals by testing all CRC tumors for molecular features suggestive of Lynch Syndrome. Patient interest in screening and preferences for consent have been underexplored. Methods: A postal survey was administered to CRC patients in a Canadian province. Results: Most patients (81.4%) were willing to have tumors tested if universal tumor screening were available and were willing to discuss test results with family members and healthcare professionals. The majority (62.6%) preferred informed consent be obtained prior to screening. Conclusion: Patients were supportive of universal screening. They expected consent to be obtained, contrary to current practice across Canada and elsewhere.