Prospective changes in primary care patients' family communication after skin cancer genetic test offer Journal Article


Authors: Salafia, C.; Banerjee, S.; Hamilton, J. G.; Schofield, E.; Li, Y.; Buller, D. B.; Hunley, K.; Sussman, A. L.; Guest, D. D.; Kaphingst, K. A.; Berwick, M.; Hay, J. L.
Article Title: Prospective changes in primary care patients' family communication after skin cancer genetic test offer
Abstract: Objective: Given the promise of family communication to prompt cancer risk awareness, we examined how an offer for skin cancer genetic testing may prompt family cancer communication. Methods: Primary care patients (N = 415, 45 % Hispanic) in New Mexico were randomized to a melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) genetic test invitation or usual care. We assessed whether family communication (frequency, targets of communication, and topics) differed based on whether participants were randomized to usual care, refused genetic testing, were tested and received either average- or higher-risk feedback. Results: Findings showed no significant differences in frequency of family communication based on intervention exposure. Those who were tested and received higher-risk feedback displayed the highest levels of communication with certain targets, such as fathers. Some communication topics, such as the participant's risk of skin cancer, were discussed more by participants who were tested (both average- and higher-risk feedback) than those in usual care. Conclusion: Findings highlight that an offer for skin cancer genetic testing may prompt aspects of family communication, such as discussion surrounding personal skin cancer risk. Innovation: This study examined various elements of family communication after an offer for skin cancer genetic testing. © 2025
Keywords: adult; aged; major clinical study; cancer risk; follow up; gene; skin cancer; interpersonal communication; awareness; genetic screening; melanocortin 1 receptor; primary medical care; primary care; ethnicity; genetic testing; family communication; mc1r gene; human; male; female; article; likert scale
Journal Title: PEC Innovation
Volume: 7
ISSN: 27726282
Publisher: 2025  
Date Published: 2025-01-01
Start Page: 100409
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2025.100409
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC12205343
PUBMED: 40584153
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Source: Scopus
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