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Current Lynch Syndrome Tumor Screening Practices: A Survey of Genetic Counselors

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

An electronic survey of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Cancer Special Interest Group was conducted in July 2011 to assess Lynch syndrome tumor screening programs and identify barriers to implementation. Over half of respondents (52.8 %) reported having a routine Lynch syndrome tumor screening protocol for newly diagnosed colon and/or endometrial cancers, and approximately half of these used a universal approach. There was an increase in the number of those screening over time, especially in the past 3 years. Tumor screening methods varied; 34/53 (64.2 %) started with immunohistochemistry, 11/53 (20.8 %) started with microsatellite instability testing and 8/53 (15.1 %) performed both on newly diagnosed colorectal tumors. Just 21.7 % (23/106) of respondents indicated they have a tumor screening program in place for newly diagnosed endometrial cancers. Written consent is rarely obtained (7.1 %) and the method of how results were returned to the patient was variable among respondents. Prevalent barriers to implementation were concern about cost, bringing key players together and convincing medical staff of the necessity. Use of Lynch syndrome tumor screening is in clinical practice, but protocols vary widely. This survey provides a glimpse of current practices and common barriers, and identifies the need for tumor screening algorithms with outcomes data.

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Acknowledgements

Thanks to the National Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) Genetics Working group for their input into the survey design.

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  1. St. Vincent Hospital Center for Cancer Care, Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment Program, 8301 Harcourt Rd. #100, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, USA

    Stephanie A. Cohen

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Cohen, S.A. Current Lynch Syndrome Tumor Screening Practices: A Survey of Genetic Counselors. J Genet Counsel 23, 38–47 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-013-9603-5

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