Universal tumor screening for lynch syndrome: perspectives of patients regarding willingness and informed consent

Universal tumor screening for lynch syndrome: perspectives of patients regarding willingness and informed consent
Research Article
Anusree Subramonian, Doug Smith, Elizabeth Dicks, Lesa Dawson, Mark Borgaonkar, Holly Etchegary
Personalized Medicine, 2 September 2020
Open Access
Abstract
Aim: Lynch Syndrome is associated with a significant risk of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and other cancers. Universal tumor screening is a strategy to identify high-risk individuals by testing all CRC tumors for molecular features suggestive of Lynch Syndrome. Patient interest in screening and preferences for consent have been underexplored. Methods: A postal survey was administered to CRC patients in a Canadian province. Results: Most patients (81.4%) were willing to have tumors tested if universal tumor screening were available and were willing to discuss test results with family members and healthcare professionals. The majority (62.6%) preferred informed consent be obtained prior to screening. Conclusion: Patients were supportive of universal screening. They expected consent to be obtained, contrary to current practice across Canada and elsewhere.