Family communication, genetic testing and colonoscopy screening in hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
Genetic testing and colonoscopy is recommended for people with a strong history of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, families must communicate so that all members are aware of the risk. The study aimed to explore the factors influencing family communication about genetic risk and colonoscopy among people with a strong family history of CRC who attended a genetic clinic with a view to having a genetic test for hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC).


METHODS
Interviews were held with 30 people with a high familial risk of colon cancer. The transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.


RESULTS
The family context, family history and perceptions about family duties and responsibilities were important motivators for communication about risk, genetic testing and colonoscopy and influenced participation in genetic testing and screening programmes. Participants reported usually communicating openly with their relatives about genetic risk and colonoscopy. Individuals felt a duty towards affected relatives and to their own children. The influence of the spouse and other relatives, particularly those affected by CRC, was also important. Colonoscopy was perceived to be embarrassing, unpleasant and sometimes painful. While there was sometimes anxiety about the result of the colonoscopy the results were usually reassuring.


CONCLUSIONS
The family context and the experience of the family history can have an impact on communication, genetic testing and screening in HNPCC and this should be explored during counselling. Some individuals might benefit from support in communicating with relatives about genetic risk. Ways of improving the individual's experience of colonoscopy should also be examined.
McCann
Siobhan
S
Psychology Research Institute, University of Ulster, Londonderry, Northern Ireland. sm.mccann@ulster.ac.uk
MacAuley
Domhnall
D
Barnett
Yvonne
Y
Bunting
Brendan
B
Bradley
Aoife
A
Jeffers
Lisa
L
Morrison
Patrick J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000523:psychology*; D003123:Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000523:psychology; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged