Does personalised melanoma genomic risk information trigger conversations about skin cancer prevention and skin examination with family, friends and health professionals?

Smit AK1,2, Keogh LA3, Newson AJ2, Butow PN4, Dunlop K5, Morton RL6,7, Kirk J8, Espinoza D6, Cust AE1,7.

Author information

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Receiving information about melanoma genomic risk might trigger conversations about skin cancer prevention and skin examinations.

OBJECTIVES:

To explore conversations prompted by receiving personalised genomic risk of melanoma with family, friends and health professionals.

METHODS:

We used a mixed-methods approach. Participants without a personal history and unselected for a family history of melanoma (n=103, aged 21-69, 53% women) completed questionnaires 3-months after receiving a personalised melanoma genomic risk assessment. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 30 participants in high, average and low-risk genomic risk categories, and data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS:

From questionnaires, 74% of participants communicated their genomic risk information with family, 49% with friends. Communication with a health professional differed by risk level: 41%, 16% and 12% for high, average and low-risk, respectively (P=0.01). Qualitative analysis showed that perceived 'shared risk' and perceived interest of family and friends were motivations for discussing risk or prevention behaviours. The information prompted conversations with family and health professionals about sun protection and skin checks, and general conversations about melanoma risk with friends. Reasons for not discussing with family included existing personal or family health concerns, or existing high levels of sun protection behaviours among family members.

CONCLUSIONS:

Personalised melanoma genomic risk information can prompt risk-appropriate discussions about skin cancer prevention and skin examinations with family and health professionals. Sharing this information with others might increase its impact on melanoma prevention and skin examination behaviours, and this process could be used to encourage healthy behaviour change within families. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.