Пациентам с риском наследственного рака груди требуется персонализированная подача генетической информации

Results of a study published in BMC Cancer underscored the need for tailored information delivery at every stage of genetic testing for breast cancer (BC). Early detection of pathogenic variants is crucial for guiding treatment decisions for patients with high risk for hereditary BC. However, many patients have difficulty obtaining and understanding relevant information about cancer genetics. To clarify the patient experience in the genetic testing process, this qualitative study was conducted at a national cancer center in South Korea. Patients (N=17) who underwent genetic testing and counseling for hereditary BC participated in focus group interviews. The patients’ health information-seeking behaviors (HISBs) were captured in 3 main themes: information type, amount of information sought, and preferred method of information delivery. At each stage of testing, patients sought different information, from clarifying the necessity and purpose of testing before undergoing the test, to interpreting their personalized prognosis after receiving their results. The amount of information the patients sought depended on their coping strategies. Some patients wanted brief, simplified summaries, whereas others wanted in-depth information that allowed the patient to fully control their course of action. The preference for limited information directly contradicts the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, which state that health care providers (HCPs) should provide both detailed and broad information. During information delivery, patients preferred empathetic counseling from HCPs that was supplemented with take-home materials to help them retain or clarify information. The study investigators concluded, “Preferences range from concise essentials to comprehensive detail, and patients prioritize clear, reliable, empathic communication from HCPs, supported by supplementary materials. These findings highlight the need for personalized information delivery-core decision content pre-test, and results-contingent plans post-test.” Disclosures: This study was funded by two grants from the Korean Cancer Survivors Healthcare R&D Project through the National Cancer Center (grant number: NCC 23F1940 and RS-2023-CC139201), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, South Korea. The authors disclosed no conflicts of interest. This article originally appeared on Oncology Nurse Advisor