Abstract 1446P
Background
For several tumors the possibility to detect suspected lesions in early stages could make a difference between life and death. New directions in research projects and cancer screening trials (CST) aimed at stratifying populations at high risk (HR) for cancer by integrating omics, imaging data and epidemiologic risk factors. A comprehensive understanding of factors that hinder or enhance participant’s adherence to these trials is needed, to also improve the criteria and approach to returning results. The aims are a) identify facilitators and barriers influencing HR populations’ adherence to CST; b) compare the effect of constructs from the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviors (TPB) on the decision-making process.
Methods
3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 1st-degree relatives of cancer patients (N=18). Transcripts from the FGDs were analyzed using NVivo software to perform thematic analysis.
Results
Preliminary results identified two main facilitators and two main barriers. The facilitators were: a) the availability of a structured prevention program in association with the genetic/epigenetic returning of result; b) the reception of detailed information and counseling concerning the probabilistic/uncertain nature of genetic/epigenetic data. The barriers were: a) the psychological impact of “negative” screening results on participants and their families; b) younger age and related perception of personal risk. Social norms and perceived behavioral control (TPB) seem not crucial constructs in the decision-making process, whereas constructs such as knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, preventive behaviors and cues to actions (HBM) might explain HR subject’s adherence to cancer screening trials.
Conclusions
Technological advances in (epi)genetics, diagnostic technologies and clinical trials for cancer screening must be matched by parallel advances on how we support the informed choices, essential to public participation. Our study contributes to the promise of 4P medicine personalizing preventive screening interventions at the psychosocial dimension, as well as biological dimension.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
AD Istituto Europeo di Oncologia (IEO).
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.