Exploring the Emotional and Behavioural Reactions to Receiving Personalised Melanoma Genomic Risk Information: A Qualitative Study.

Fenton GL1, Smit AK1,2,3, Keogh L4, Cust AE1,2.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There is a need for greater understanding of the spectrum of emotional and behavioural reactions that individuals in the general population may experience in response to genomic testing for melanoma risk.

OBJECTIVES:

To explore how individuals in the general population respond to receiving personalised genomic risk of melanoma.

METHODS:

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 30 participants (aged 24-69 years, 50% female, 12 low-risk, 8 average-risk, 10 high-risk) recruited from a pilot trial in which they received personalised melanoma genomic risk information. We explored participants' emotional and behavioural responses to receiving their melanoma genomic risk information. The qualitative data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS:

Many participants reported a positive response to receiving their melanoma genomic risk, including feelings of happiness, reassurance and gaining new knowledge to help manage their melanoma risk. Some participants reported short-term negative emotional reactions that dissipated over time. Most individuals, particularly those who received average or high-risk results, reported making positive behaviour changes to reduce their melanoma risk. Emotional and behavioural responses were linked to participants' expectations for their risk result, their pre-existing perception of their own melanoma risk, their existing melanoma preventive behaviours and their genomic risk category.

CONCLUSIONS:

Personalised melanoma genomic risk information alongside education and lifestyle counselling is favourably received by people without a personal history and unselected for a family history of melanoma. Participants described increased knowledge and awareness around managing skin cancer risk and improved sun protection and skin-examination behaviours. Any initial feelings of distress usually dissipated over time. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.