Communication of genetic test results to family and health-care providers following disclosure of research results.

Purpose: Few studies have examined methods to promote communication following the return of DNA mismatch repair genetic test results obtained during research. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a telephone protocol for returning research results of DNA mismatch repair gene testing to identify Lynch syndrome.

Methods: We invited individuals with known DNA mismatch repair mutations in their family, who were enrolled in the Colon Cancer Family Registry at the Mayo Clinic, to participate in this study.

Receptivity and Preferences in Cancer Risk Reduction Lifestyle Programs: A Survey of Colorectal Cancer Family Members.

Background: Cancer is a shared family experience, and thus the purpose of this study was to assess receptivity and preferences for cancer risk reduction programs among at-risk family members with two or more relatives affected with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: The sample comprised 401 at-risk family members with two or more relatives affected with CRC from the Colon Cancer Family Registry. In March 2009, respondents completed a mailed survey assessing receptivity and preferences for participating in cancer risk reduction programs and evaluated their relationship to demographic, medical, and psychosocial variables.

Accuracy of colorectal polyp self-reports: findings from the colon cancer family registry.

Introduction: Colorectal adenomas and other types of polyps are commonly used as end points or risk factors in epidemiologic studies. However, it is not known how accurately patients are able to self-report the presence or absence of adenomas following colonoscopy.

Methods: Participants in the Colon Cancer Family Registry provided self-reports of recent colorectal cancer (CRC) screening activity, and whether or not they had ever been told they had a polyp.

Colorectal cancer risks in relatives of young-onset cases: is risk the same across all first-degree relatives?

Background & Aims: During the last 15 years, several single-gene mendelian disorders have been discovered that might account for some of the familial aggregation detected in large population studies of colorectal cancer (CRC). Mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes cause hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer-Lynch syndrome, the most common of the recognized CRC-predisposition syndromes, in which one major feature is a young age for cancer onset. However, for young-onset microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC, the familial risk for CRC is unknown.

Colorectal tumour microsatellite instability test results: perspectives from patients.

Purpose: To determine which individuals with colorectal cancer (CRC) were interested in knowing the results of their tumour microsatellite instability (MSI) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing. We were also interested in the patients' reasons for choosing to learn their results and in the impact of those results on overall self-assessed quality of life.

Patients And Methods: CRCs from 414 individuals were assayed for MSI and IHC for DNA mismatch repair gene products (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6).