title: Impact of familial adenomatous polyposis on young adults: attitudes toward genetic testing, support, and information needs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study assessed views concerning genetic testing and information and support needs among young adults aged 18 to 35 years with a diagnosis of or at risk of developing familial adenomatous polyposis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 88 participants were recruited through Hereditary Bowel Cancer Registries and assessed using self-administered questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age of participants was 28 years, and the average age at the time of their last genetic consultation was 23 years. Although 75% would consider prenatal genetic testing, only 21% would consider termination of an affected pregnancy. Sixty-one percent selected "at birth" or "early childhood" as the preferred age for genetic testing of offspring. Participants' highest areas of unmet support needs were with regard to anxiety about their children having familial adenomatous polyposis (39%) and fear of developing cancer (28%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The parental desire to test children before it is clinically indicated may be a source of distress and create conflict with genetic services. These findings demonstrate that familial adenomatous polyposis may significantly impact young adults, with many having unmet support needs. The length of time since the last genetic consultation and the young age at which these consultations took place suggest that clinics should consider a means of regular follow-up to address these unmet needs.
authors.affiliation: Hereditary Cancer Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: Shab
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mireskandari
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jessen
authors.forename: Belinda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Thewes
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Solomon
authors.forename: Finlay
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Macrae
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meiser
mesh_terms: D011125:Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000523:psychology*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D012923:Social Class