Researchers at Toronto General Research Institute release new data on colon cancer genetics
2007 NOV 19 -- Current study results from the report, 'Colorectal cancer survivors undergoing genetic testing for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer: motivational factors and psychosocial functioning,' have been published. "Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) represents about 1-3% of all cases of colorectal cancer (CRC). The objectives of the study were to examine motivational factors, expectations and psychosocial functioning in a sample of CRC survivors undergoing genetic testing for HNPCC," scientists writing in the journal Clinical Genetics report. "A cross-sectional survey of 314 colorectal cancer patients recruited through a population-based colon cancer family registry was conducted. Motivations for genetic testing for hereditary cancer were similar to those of clinic-based samples of CRC patients and included learning of the increased risk to offspring and finding out if additional screening was needed. While age at diagnosis and sex were associated with psychological functioning, significant predictors of post-counseling distress were perceived lower satisfaction with social support, an escape-avoidant coping style and the anticipation of becoming depressed if a mutation was present. Most cancer survivors anticipated disclosing test results to relatives and physicians. Cancer survivors reported several motivations for genetic testing for HNPCC that varied by sex. A subgroup of survivors with lower satisfaction with social support and an escape-avoidant coping style were worried about the potential impact of genetic test results and demonstrated more distress following counseling," wrote M.J. Esplen and colleagues, Toronto General Research Institute. The researchers concluded: "Findings have implications for future research and potential support needs during the genetic counseling and testing process." Esplen and colleagues published their study in Clinical Genetics (Colorectal cancer survivors undergoing genetic testing for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer: motivational factors and psychosocial functioning. Clinical Genetics, 2007;72(5):394-401). Additional information can be obtained by contacting M.J. Esplen, Toronto General Research Institute, Behavioral Sciences and Health Research Division, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The publisher of the journal Clinical Genetics can be contacted at: Blackwell Munksgaard, 35 Norre Sogade, PO Box 2148, DK-1016 Copenhagen, Denmark. Keywords: Canada, Toronto, Colon Cancer Genetics, Colon Cancer, Colon Carcinoma, Colorectal, Gastroenterology, Mental Health, Oncology, Psychology. This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.
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