Educational and Psychosocial Support Needs in Lynch Syndrome: Implementation and Assessment of an Educational Workshop and Support Group

Experiences of patients and family members with follow-up care, information needs and provider support after identification of Lynch Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Lynch Syndrome is among the most common hereditary cancer syndromes and requires ongoing cancer surveillance, repeated screenings and potential risk-reducing surgeries. Despite the importance of continued surveillance, there is limited understanding of patient experiences after initial testing and counseling, the barriers or facilitators they experience adhering to recommendations, and how they want to receive information over time.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted among 127 probands and family members who had received genetic testing for Lynch Syndrome. We conducted semi-structured interviews to determine proband and family member experiences after receiving genetic testing results including their surveillance and screening practices, information needs, and interactions with health care providers. Both closed-ended and open-ended data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Both probands (96.9%) and family members (76.8%) received recommendations for follow-up screening and all probands (100%) and most family members (98.2%) who tested positive had completed at least one screening. Facilitators to screening included receiving screening procedure reminders and the ease of making screening and surveillance appointments. Insurance coverage to pay for screenings was a frequent concern especially for those under 50 years of age. Participants commented that their primary care providers were often not knowledgeable about Lynch Syndrome and surveillance recommendations; this presented a hardship in navigating ongoing surveillance and updated information. Participants preferred information from a knowledgeable health care provider or a trusted internet source over social media or support groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Probands and family members receiving genetic testing for Lynch Syndrome generally adhered to initial screening and surveillance recommendations. However, factors such as insurance coverage and difficulty finding a knowledgeable healthcare provider presented barriers to receiving recommended follow-up care. There is an opportunity to improve care through better transitions in care, procedures to keep primary care providers informed of surveillance guidelines, and practices so that patients receive reminders and facilitated appointment setting for ongoing screening and surveillance at the time they are due.

Outcomes of support groups for carriers of BRCA 1/2 pathogenic variants and their relatives: a systematic review

People tested positive for BRCA1/2 face an increased risk of cancer; to help them cope with the genetic information received, support to BRCA1/2 families should be continued after testing. Nonetheless how such support should be provided has not been established yet. As a potentially valuable option is represented by support groups, the aim of this systematic review was to assess studies exploring the outcomes of support groups for BRCA1/2 carriers. This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42021238416). Peer-reviewed papers published between January 1995 and February 2021 were searched for, using four databases. Among 1586 records identified, 34 papers were reviewed in full-text and eleven were included in the qualitative synthesis of the results. Three themes emerged as major focuses of support groups: risk management decisions, family dynamics and risk communication, and psychosocial functioning. Our findings show that support groups proved helpful in supporting women's decision-making on risk-reducing options. Moreover, during those interventions, BRCA1/2 carriers had the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings, and felt that mutual support through interacting with other mutation carriers help them release the emotional pressure. However, no significant impact was reported in improving family communication. Overall, a high level of satisfaction and perceived helpfulness was reported for support group. The findings suggest that support groups represent a valuable tool for improving BRCA1/2 families care.

The use of heuristics in genetic testing decision-making: A qualitative interview study

BACKGROUND

Decision-making concerning predictive genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes is inherently complex. This study aims to investigate what kind of complexities adults undergoing genetic counseling in Switzerland experience, how they deal with them, and what heuristics they use during the decision-making process.

METHODS

Semi-structured qualitative interviews with eighteen Swiss adults seeking genetic counseling for hereditary cancer syndrome genetic testing and two counseling physicians were conducted and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Counselees stated that once they were aware of their eligibility for genetic testing they perceived an inevitable necessity to make a decision in a context of uncertainties. Some counselees perceived this decision as simple, others as very complex. High emotional involvement increased perceived complexity. We observed six heuristics that counselees used to facilitate their decision: Anticipating the test result; Focusing on consequences; Dealing with information; Interpreting disease risk; Using external guidance; and (Re-)Considering the general uncertainty of life.

LIMITATIONS

Our findings are limited to the context of predictive genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. This qualitative study does not allow extrapolation of the relative frequency of which heuristics occur.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of heuristics is an inherent part of decision-making, particularly in the complex context of genetic testing for inherited cancer predisposition. However, some heuristics increase the risk of misinterpretation or exaggerated external influences. This may negatively impact informed decision-making. Thus, this study illustrates the importance of genetic counselors and medical professionals being aware of these heuristics and the individual manner in which they might be applied in the context of genetic testing decision-making. Findings may offer practical support to achieve this, as they inductively focus on the counselees' perspective.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of a French Version of the Genetic Counseling Satisfaction Scale (GCSS) as an Outcome Measure of Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

(1) Background: The Genetic Counseling Satisfaction Scale (GCSS) is a widely used tool to evaluate patient satisfaction. To our knowledge, a validated French-language version of this tool is not yet available. This article reports on the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a French version of the Genetic Counseling Satisfaction Scale (GCSS) to evaluate genetic counseling services for patient consultation in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). (2) Methods: The scale was culturally adapted following guidelines from Beaton et al. (2000). Cognitive interviews were conducted to ensure items were understood according to the intended meaning. The internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, and testing of group differences were assessed using a sample of 172 patients who attended a pretest group genetic counseling session. (3) Results: Participants understood all items according to the intended meaning. The internal consistency was high for the total scale (0.90) and for the corrected item-to-total correlations (varying between 0.62 and 0.78). No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Group difference analyses generally followed expectations. (4) Conclusion: This process generated a French version of the GCSS that is clearly understood by patients, and has psychometric properties adequately in line those reported for its original English version.

Communication research at the National Cancer Institute, 2013-2019: a grant portfolio analysis

PURPOSE

To analyze communication-focused grants funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) between fiscal years 2013 and 2019 to provide insight into the characteristics of funded projects and identify promising areas for future research.

METHODS

iSearch, a portfolio analysis tool, was queried to identify communication-related grants funded by NCI. Abstracts and specific aims were coded for key study characteristics. 344 unique competing grants with a substantial communication component were included in the final analysis. SAS version 9.4 was used to calculate code frequencies.

RESULTS

Most communication grants focused on cancer prevention (n = 197), with fewer targeting diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, or end-of-life. Tobacco product use was the most frequently addressed topic (n = 128). Most grants targeted or measured outcomes at the individual (n = 332) or interpersonal level (n = 127). Cancer patients/survivors (n = 101) and healthcare providers (n = 63) were often the population of focus, while caregivers or those at increased risk for cancer received less attention. Studies were often based in healthcare settings (n = 125); few studies were based in schools or worksites. Many grants employed randomized controlled trials (n = 168), but more novel methods, like optimization trials, were uncommon.

CONCLUSION

NCI's support of health communication research covers a diverse array of topics, populations, and methods. However, the current analysis also points to several promising opportunities for future research, including efforts focused on communication at later stages of the cancer control continuum and at multiple levels of influence, as well as studies that take advantage of a greater diversity of settings and leverage novel methodological approaches.

Endoscopy to Diagnose and Prevent Digestive Cancers in Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome patients could benefit from various recommendations to prevent digestive cancers. In this review, we summarize the criteria to identify Lynch syndrome in patients with digestive cancers. We detail endoscopic screening procedures in patients with Lynch syndrome for gastric, small bowel, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. We review the precise modalities of endoscopic follow-up, particularly the discrepancies that exist between the guidelines of the various scientific societies. We discuss the treatment of colorectal cancers in Lynch syndrome cases and patient adherence to endoscopic follow-up programs.

Psychosocial Interventions for Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation: A Scoping Review

Simple Summary

Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are at an increased risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. While genetic counselling by genetic counsellors takes place before and after receiving the results of genetic testing, genetic counsellors are not involved in the patient’s long-term psychosocial follow-up. Genetic testing can cause short-term and long-term distress in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, and follow-up supports may be necessary for some women. As the uptake of genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer increases, the need for additional sources of support may be needed. This review examined the effectiveness of psychological and psychoeducational interventions for BRCA mutation carriers.

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to explore the effectiveness of psychological and psychoeducational interventions for BRCA mutation carriers. Four electronic bibliographic databases were searched. After review, 23 articles that described or assessed forms of an additional psychosocial intervention for individuals with a BRCA mutation were identified and included. Intervention types discussed in the articles were telephone-based peer-to-peer counselling (5), online communities (4), in-person group counselling (8), and one-day sessions (6). Outcomes investigated within the articles included psychosocial outcomes (18), satisfaction (8), health behaviours (7), and knowledge (5). The included studies suggested that telephone-based peer-to-peer counselling and online communities improve patient knowledge and psychosocial functioning and can overcome challenges such as scheduling and travel associated with in-person support groups, but may have challenges with recruitment and retainment of participants. Group in-person education sessions satisfied the need amongst BRCA1/2 carriers in terms of accessing necessary information regarding cancer risk assessment and management; however, the impact of group education sessions on psychological outcomes was variable across the included studies. Overall, all the forms of intervention described in this scoping review were well-received by participants; some have been shown to reduce distress, depression, and anxiety.

How does genetic testing influence anxiety, depression, and quality of life? A hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome suspects trial

BACKGROUND

Emotional distress associated with genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is reported to interfere with adherence to treatment and prophylactic measures and compromise quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

To determine levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients tested for pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutations and identify risk factors for the development of adverse psycho-emotional effects.

METHODS

Cross-sectional observational trial involving 178 breast or ovarian cancer patients from a referral cancer hospital in Northeastern Brazil. Information was collected with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF).

RESULTS

Patients suspected of HBOC had higher levels of anxiety than depression. The presence of (probably) pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutations did not affect levels of anxiety and depression. High schooling, history of psychiatric disease, and use of psychotropic drugs were directly associated with high anxiety. High schooling was too inversely associated with QoL as such a breast tumor. Anxiety and depression were directly correlated and both reduced significantly QoL.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight the importance of psychological support and screening of risk factors for anxiety and depression and low QoL in HBOC patients at the time of testing.

Patterns of family communication and preferred resources for sharing information among families with a Lynch syndrome diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

To explore patterns of communication among families with a Lynch syndrome diagnosis and understand what resources could facilitate family communication.

METHODS

127 probands (i.e., first person in family with identified mutation) and family members participated in semi-structured interviews about: how they learned about the Lynch syndrome diagnosis, with whom they shared genetic test results, confidence in sharing results with other family members, and helpfulness of educational resources.

RESULTS

Both probands and family members were most likely to share genetic test results with parents and siblings, and least likely to share results with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Most participants felt very confident sharing their test results with family members, but reported that certain topics such as cancer risk were challenging to convey. Probands reported the most helpful resources to be access to a specialty clinic or website, while family members described general printed materials as most helpful.

CONCLUSIONS

Families affected by Lynch syndrome may experience barriers to communication with more distant relatives, and may benefit from receiving specific resources (e.g., websites about Lynch syndrome, print materials) to facilitate family communication.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Providers could emphasize the need to share information with more distant family members and provide appropriate supportive resources.