Abstract
Consensus and evidence suggest that cascade testing is critical to achieve the promise of cancer genetic testing. However, barriers to cascade testing include effective family communication of genetic risk information and family members’ ability to cope with genetic risk. These barriers are further complicated by the developmental needs of unaffected family members during critical windows for family communication and adaptation. Peer support could address these barriers. We provide two illustrative examples of ongoing BRCA1/2-related clinical trials that apply a peer support model to improve family communication and functioning. Peer support can augment currently available genetic services to facilitate adjustment to and effective use of cancer genetic risk information. Importantly, this scalable approach can address the presence of cancer risk within families across multiple developmental stages. This applies a family-centered perspective that accommodates all potentially at-risk relatives. This peer support model can be further applied to emerging topics in clinical genetics to expand reach and impact.
Highlights
The promise of cascade testing Cascade testing refers to the receipt of genetic counseling and testing among blood relatives of individuals with specific pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline genetic variants, allowing them to pursue appropriate cancer screening and risk reduction strategies
By incorporating peer support and decision skillbuilding into a behavioral intervention, we seek to facilitate maternal psychosocial adaptation and disclosure of BRCA1/2 status -- precursors to cascade testing
Fully manualized/scripted intervention called “Peers and Cancer Empowerment (PeACE)” to meet the unique psychological, developmental, and medical needs of young women in BRCA1/2 families
Summary
Improving our model of cascade testing for hereditary cancer risk by leveraging patient peer support: a concept report.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
