Deficiencies in knowledge and familial risk communication among colorectal adenoma patients.
OBJECTIVE
Our primary objectives were to assess knowledge about familial risk and risk communication among colorectal adenoma patients.


BACKGROUND
The first-degree relatives (FDRs) of colorectal adenoma patients diagnosed before the age of 60 years may be at increased risk of colorectal cancer and should begin screening by the age of 40 years. Adherence to this recommendation requires effective risk communication between physicians, affected patients, and their at-risk relatives.


METHODS
We conducted a telephone survey of 129 consecutive English-speaking adenoma patients younger than 60 years treated by 11 endoscopists at two medical centers. Information regarding patient demographics, awareness of familial risk, and risk communication was elicited.


RESULTS
A total of 71 eligible subjects responded to the survey. Few responders (n = 25, 33%) were aware that their FDRs were at increased risk of colorectal cancer, and only 56% of knowledgeable patients identified a physician as the source of information. Awareness was strongly associated (P < or = 0.001) with patient-initiated information-seeking behavior. Most knowledgeable patients (n = 20, 80%) reported that they had informed > or = 1 FDRs about their diagnosis, and most (68%) felt that it was the patient's responsibility to notify at-risk relatives.


CONCLUSIONS
Most colorectal adenoma patients younger than 60 years are unaware of the familial implications of their diagnosis and therefore unlikely to notify at-risk FDRs.
Schroy
Paul C
PC
Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA. paul.schroy@bmc.org
Lal
Subodh K
SK
Wilson
Sheila
S
Heeren
Timothy
T
Farraye
Francis A
FA
D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors