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Knowledge about hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer; mutation carriers and physicians at equal levels

Bartuma, Katarina LU ; Carlsson, Christina LU ; Bendahl, Pär-Ola LU and Nilbert, Mef LU (2009) In BMC Medical Genetics 10.
Abstract
Background: Identification and adequate management of individuals at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is crucial since surveillance programmes reduce morbidity and mortality. We investigated knowledge about key features of HNPCC in at risk individuals and physicians in surgery, gynecology and oncology. Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire which was answered by 67 mutation carriers and 102 physicians from the southern Swedish health care region. The statements were related to colorectal cancer, heredity and surveillance and the physicians were also asked questions about cancer risks and surveillance strategies. Results: Both groups answered questions on colorectal cancer risk, surveillance and genetic... (More)
Background: Identification and adequate management of individuals at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is crucial since surveillance programmes reduce morbidity and mortality. We investigated knowledge about key features of HNPCC in at risk individuals and physicians in surgery, gynecology and oncology. Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire which was answered by 67 mutation carriers and 102 physicians from the southern Swedish health care region. The statements were related to colorectal cancer, heredity and surveillance and the physicians were also asked questions about cancer risks and surveillance strategies. Results: Both groups answered questions on colorectal cancer risk, surveillance and genetic testing well, whereas answers about inheritance and risks for HNPCC associated cancer were less accurate. Only half of the family members and one third of the physicians correctly estimated the risk to inherit an HNPCC predisposing mutation. Among family members, young age (<57 years), female sex and recent genetic counseling significantly correlated with better results. Physicians generally underestimated the risk of HNPCC associated cancers and three out of four suggested a later starting age for surveillance than recommended. Conclusion: The finding of similar levels of knowledge about key features of HNPCC in at risk individuals and physicians reflect the challenge physicians face in keeping up to date on hereditary cancer and may have implications for the clinical management and professional relations with HNPCC family members. (Less)
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author
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organization
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type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
BMC Medical Genetics
volume
10
publisher
BioMed Central (BMC)
external identifiers
  • wos:000265843600001
  • scopus:65349177304
  • pmid:19323816
ISSN
1471-2350
DOI
10.1186/1471-2350-10-30
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
8b80110b-8df3-497e-862f-412ffe67b68f (old id 1426417)
date added to LUP
2016-04-01 13:11:59
date last changed
2022-01-27 17:56:26
@article{8b80110b-8df3-497e-862f-412ffe67b68f,
  abstract     = {{Background: Identification and adequate management of individuals at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is crucial since surveillance programmes reduce morbidity and mortality. We investigated knowledge about key features of HNPCC in at risk individuals and physicians in surgery, gynecology and oncology. Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire which was answered by 67 mutation carriers and 102 physicians from the southern Swedish health care region. The statements were related to colorectal cancer, heredity and surveillance and the physicians were also asked questions about cancer risks and surveillance strategies. Results: Both groups answered questions on colorectal cancer risk, surveillance and genetic testing well, whereas answers about inheritance and risks for HNPCC associated cancer were less accurate. Only half of the family members and one third of the physicians correctly estimated the risk to inherit an HNPCC predisposing mutation. Among family members, young age (&lt;57 years), female sex and recent genetic counseling significantly correlated with better results. Physicians generally underestimated the risk of HNPCC associated cancers and three out of four suggested a later starting age for surveillance than recommended. Conclusion: The finding of similar levels of knowledge about key features of HNPCC in at risk individuals and physicians reflect the challenge physicians face in keeping up to date on hereditary cancer and may have implications for the clinical management and professional relations with HNPCC family members.}},
  author       = {{Bartuma, Katarina and Carlsson, Christina and Bendahl, Pär-Ola and Nilbert, Mef}},
  issn         = {{1471-2350}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  publisher    = {{BioMed Central (BMC)}},
  series       = {{BMC Medical Genetics}},
  title        = {{Knowledge about hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer; mutation carriers and physicians at equal levels}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2350-10-30}},
  doi          = {{10.1186/1471-2350-10-30}},
  volume       = {{10}},
  year         = {{2009}},
}