A novel approach to increase awareness about hereditary colon cancer using a state cancer registry.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this project was to conduct educational outreach about hereditary colon cancer to a targeted high risk population identified through a state cancer registry.


METHODS
Individuals who met one of the first three Bethesda criteria guidelines were identified through the Colorado Central Cancer Registry. The physician of record received a brochure, survey and form to provide written consent to contact patient(s). Cases were mailed an educational brochure, initial and follow-up survey.


RESULTS
Five hundred seventy-five cases and 412 physicians were identified; 81% provided consent. Ninety percent of physicians felt the registry should provide this information to at-risk patients. Twenty-three percent of the cases returned the survey. Cases were generally glad to get the information. Only four cases reported concern. The majority agreed the cancer registry should send the information, however most preferred their physicians be consented first. At follow-up, 20 cases reported having or intending to have a risk assessment.


CONCLUSIONS
Response from physicians and cases was positive, suggesting that targeted outreach using cancer registries, in combination with physician notification, may be a viable approach to educational outreach about cancer genetics. A proportion of cases sought risk assessment, suggesting that mail-based outreach may be effective in increasing uptake of information and/or genetic services.
Lowery
Jan T
JT
Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado 80045-0508, USA. jan.lowery@ucdenver.edu
Axell
Lisen
L
Vu
Kieu
K
Rycroft
Randi
R
D001364:Awareness; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012042:Registries; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires