Colon Cancer Risk Counseling for At-Risk Relatives

This project builds on an exploratory study of psychosocial and ethnocultural factors related to intentions to obtain genetic testing for heritable colon cancer, and a pilot study of genetic counseling for intermediate-risk colorectal cancer (CRC) family members. The specific aims of the study are to: (1) evaluate the impact of a culturally sensitive program of Colon Cancer Risk Counseling (CCRC) on: a) adherence guidelines for early detection of CRC, b) comprehension of personal CRC risk, and c) psychological adaptation to familial cancer, among individuals with family history of CRC; (2) evaluate the impact of CCRC on subgroups of persons at different levels of risk, various ages and educational levels, males vs. females, and persons of different ethnic groups; and (3) examine the extent to which risk comprehension and psychological adaptation mediate the impact of CCRC on adherence to screening. Subjects will be 700 siblings and children, aged 40 and over, who have a positive history of CRC in one first degree relative. (Member of CGSC)