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Understanding of Management Guidelines in Patients with Lynch Syndrome

McDonald, Claire (2020) Understanding of Management Guidelines in Patients with Lynch Syndrome. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Lynch syndrome is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome with relatively high prevalence. It is estimated that more than one million Americans have Lynch syndrome, and more than 95% have not been identified. Identification of these individuals is important so that measures can be taken for prevention or early detection of associated cancers. No existing studies assess how well individuals with Lynch syndrome understand these guidelines; some prior studies have assessed adherence to colonoscopies, the recommendation with the most evidence, with mixed results. The purpose of this study was to survey adults with a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, to assess their understanding of and adherence to management guidelines and to learn about their experiences with healthcare providers and any barriers to following guidelines. A survey was distributed through two Lynch syndrome advocacy groups, Lynch Syndrome International and AliveAndKickn, via Facebook, Twitter, and email listservs. The survey had 312 responses; 278 of those responses met eligibility criteria and were analyzed. Most participants had above average education and household income. More than 70% of respondents indicated they had a colonoscopy in the past 12 months, and more than 95% understood they should have colonoscopies at least every two years. This survey provides a starting point for research surrounding education and understanding of medical management guidelines for individuals with Lynch syndrome. While the results indicate a high understanding of and adherence to management guidelines, the non-representative demographics may limit the generalizability of the study findings. Future studies should aim to assess a more representative sample of individuals with Lynch syndrome, and consider how best to educate and increase access to genetic counseling and education for newly diagnosed individuals. The identification of more individuals with Lynch syndrome is an important public health genetics goal in order to increase surveillance in this group and decrease morbidity and mortality associated with cancer; attempts to achieve this goal should include a plan to educate and increase access to care for those with a new diagnosis.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
McDonald, Clairecem139@pitt.educem139
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairDurst, Andreaadurst@pitt.eduadurst
Committee MemberDocumet, Patriciapdocumet@pitt.edupdocumet
Committee MemberDudley, Bethdudleyre@upmc.edu
Date: 30 July 2020
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 26 May 2020
Approval Date: 30 July 2020
Submission Date: 21 June 2020
Access Restriction: 1 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 1 year.
Number of Pages: 136
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Genetic Counseling
School of Public Health > Public Health Genetics
Degree: MS - Master of Science
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: genetics, Lynch syndrome, hereditary cancer, survey
Date Deposited: 31 Jul 2020 02:36
Last Modified: 01 Jul 2021 05:15
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/39255

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