A prospective prostate cancer screening programme for men with pathogenic variants in mismatch repair genes (IMPACT): initial results from an international prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Lynch syndrome is a rare familial cancer syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in the mismatch repair genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2, that cause predisposition to various cancers, predominantly colorectal and endometrial cancer. Data are emerging that pathogenic variants in mismatch repair genes increase the risk of early-onset aggressive prostate cancer. The IMPACT study is prospectively assessing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in men with germline mismatch repair pathogenic variants. Here, we report the usefulness of PSA screening, prostate cancer incidence, and tumour characteristics after the first screening round in men with and without these germline pathogenic variants. METHODS: The IMPACT study is an international, prospective study. Men aged 40-69 years without a previous prostate cancer diagnosis and with a known germline pathogenic variant in the MLH1, MSH2, or MSH6 gene, and age-matched male controls who tested negative for a familial pathogenic variant in these genes were recruited from 34 genetic and urology clinics in eight countries, and underwent a baseline PSA screening. Men who had a PSA level higher than 3·0 ng/mL were offered a transrectal, ultrasound-guided, prostate biopsy and a histopathological analysis was done. All participants are undergoing a minimum of 5 years' annual screening. The primary endpoint was to determine the incidence, stage, and pathology of screening-detected prostate cancer in carriers of pathogenic variants compared with non-carrier controls. We used Fisher's exact test to compare the number of cases, cancer incidence, and positive predictive values of the PSA cutoff and biopsy between carriers and non-carriers and the differences between disease types (ie, cancer vs no cancer, clinically significant cancer vs no cancer). We assessed screening outcomes and tumour characteristics by pathogenic variant status. Here we present results from the first round of PSA screening in the IMPACT study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00261456, and is now closed to accrual. FINDINGS: Between Sept 28, 2012, and March 1, 2020, 828 men were recruited (644 carriers of mismatch repair pathogenic variants [204 carriers of MLH1, 305 carriers of MSH2, and 135 carriers of MSH6] and 184 non-carrier controls [65 non-carriers of MLH1, 76 non-carriers of MSH2, and 43 non-carriers of MSH6]), and in order to boost the sample size for the non-carrier control groups, we randomly selected 134 non-carriers from the BRCA1 and BRCA2 cohort of the IMPACT study, who were included in all three non-carrier cohorts. Men were predominantly of European ancestry (899 [93%] of 953 with available data), with a mean age of 52·8 years (SD 8·3). Within the first screening round, 56 (6%) men had a PSA concentration of more than 3·0 ng/mL and 35 (4%) biopsies were done. The overall incidence of prostate cancer was 1·9% (18 of 962; 95% CI 1·1-2·9). The incidence among MSH2 carriers was 4·3% (13 of 305; 95% CI 2·3-7·2), MSH2 non-carrier controls was 0·5% (one of 210; 0·0-2·6), MSH6 carriers was 3·0% (four of 135; 0·8-7·4), and none were detected among the MLH1 carriers, MLH1 non-carrier controls, and MSH6 non-carrier controls. Prostate cancer incidence, using a PSA threshold of higher than 3·0 ng/mL, was higher in MSH2 carriers than in MSH2 non-carrier controls (4·3% vs 0·5%; p=0·011) and MSH6 carriers than MSH6 non-carrier controls (3·0% vs 0%; p=0·034). The overall positive predictive value of biopsy using a PSA threshold of 3·0 ng/mL was 51·4% (95% CI 34·0-68·6), and the overall positive predictive value of a PSA threshold of 3·0 ng/mL was 32·1% (20·3-46·0). INTERPRETATION: After the first screening round, carriers of MSH2 and MSH6 pathogenic variants had a higher incidence of prostate cancer compared with age-matched non-carrier controls. These findings support the use of targeted PSA screening in these men to identify those with clinically significant prostate cancer. Further annual screening rounds will need to confirm these findings. FUNDING: Cancer Research UK, The Ronald and Rita McAulay Foundation, the National Institute for Health Research support to Biomedical Research Centres (The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust; Oxford; Manchester and the Cambridge Clinical Research Centre), Mr and Mrs Jack Baker, the Cancer Council of Tasmania, Cancer Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Cancer Council of Victoria, Cancer Council of South Australia, the Victorian Cancer Agency, Cancer Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC), the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), the Institut Català de la Salut, Autonomous Government of Catalonia, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute, Swedish Cancer Society, General Hospital in Malmö Foundation for Combating Cancer.

Room for improvement: One third of Lynch syndrome patients presenting for genetic testing in a highly specialised centre in Stockholm already have cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lynch syndrome is caused by germline mutations in the mismatch repair genes and is characterised by a familial accumulation of colorectal and other cancers. Earlier identification of Lynch syndrome patients enables surveillance and might reduce the risk of cancer. It is important to explore whether today's clinical care discovers patients with Lynch syndrome suitable for surveillance in time. This study aimed to describe what led to a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome in the cohort referred to the Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden for gastrointestinal surveillance. METHODS: This was a descriptive study. Data from 1975 to 2018 were collected and compiled as a database. Age at diagnosis was calculated from the date when a pathogenic MMR gene mutation was confirmed, from the period June 1994-September 2018. Data were collected from patient protocols prospectively during patient consultations and medical records retrospectively. Criteria for inclusion were registration at the outpatient clinic and a confirmed mismatch repair gene mutation. RESULTS: A total of 305 patients were eligible for inclusion. Three major reasons for diagnosis were identified: 1. Predictive testing of a previously known mutation in the family (62%, mean age 37), 2. A family history of Lynch associated tumours (9%, mean age 37), 3. A diagnosis of cancer (29%, mean age 51). The proportion diagnosed due to cancer has not changed over time. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of patients (29%) were identified with Lynch syndrome after they had been diagnosed with an associated cancer, which suggests that there is significant room for improvement in the diagnosis of patients with Lynch syndrome before cancer develops.

Assessment of genetic referrals and outcomes for women with triple negative breast cancer in regional cancer centres in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for referral to cancer genetics service for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer have changed over time. This study was conducted to assess the changing referral patterns and outcomes for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer across three regional cancer centres during the years 2014-2018. METHODS: Following ethical approval, a retrospective electronic medical record review was performed to identify those women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, and whether they were referred to a genetics service and if so, the outcome of that genetics assessment and/or genetic testing. RESULTS: There were 2441 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer seen at our cancer services during the years 2014-2018, of whom 237 women were diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Based on age of diagnosis criteria alone, 13% (31/237) of our cohort fulfilled criteria for genetic testing, with 81% (25/31) being referred to a cancer genetics service. Of this group 68% (21/31) were referred to genetics services within our regions and went on to have genetic testing with 10 pathogenic variants identified; 5x BRCA1, 4x BRCA2 and × 1 ATM:c.7271 T > G. CONCLUSIONS: Referral pathways for women diagnosed with TNBC to cancer genetics services are performing well across our cancer centres. We identified a group of women who did not meet eligibility criteria for referral at their time of diagnosis, but would now be eligible, as guidelines have changed. The use of cross-discipline retrospective data reviews is a useful tool to identify patients who could benefit from being re-contacted over time for an updated cancer genetics assessment.

Significant detection of new germline pathogenic variants in Australian Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program participants.

BACKGROUND: The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program (APCSP) offers endoscopic ultrasound surveillance for individuals at increased risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with all participants requiring assessment by a Familial Cancer Service before or after study enrolment. METHODS: Individuals aged 40-80 years (or 10 years younger than the earliest PDAC diagnosis) were eligible for APCSP study entry if they had 1) ≥ two blood relatives with PDAC (at least one of first-degree association); 2) a clinical or genetic diagnosis of Hereditary Pancreatitis or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome irrespective of PDAC family history; or 3) a known PDAC predisposition germline pathogenic variant (BRCA2, PALB2, CDKN2A, or Lynch syndrome) with ≥one PDAC-affected first- or second-degree relative. Retrospective medical record review was conducted for APCSP participants enrolled at the participating Australian hospitals from January 2011 to December 2019. We audited the genetic investigations offered by multiple Familial Cancer Services who assessed APCSP participants according to national guidelines, local clinical protocol and/or the availability of external research-funded testing, and the subsequent findings. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Of 189 kindreds (285 participants), 50 kindreds (71 participants) had a known germline pathogenic variant at enrolment (BRCA2 n = 35, PALB2 n = 6, CDKN2A n = 3, STK11 n = 3, PRSS1 n = 2, MLH1 n = 1). Forty-eight of 136 (35%) kindreds with no known germline pathogenic variant were offered mutation analysis; 89% was clinic-funded, with increasing self-funded testing since 2016. The relatively low rates of genetic testing performed reflects initial strict criteria for clinic-funded genetic testing. New germline pathogenic variants were detected in five kindreds (10.4%) after study enrolment (BRCA2 n = 3 kindreds, PALB2 n = 1, CDKN2A n = 1). Of note, only eight kindreds were reassessed by a Familial Cancer Service since enrolment, with a further 21 kindreds identified as being suitable for reassessment. CONCLUSION: Germline pathogenic variants associated with PDAC were seen in 29.1% of our high-risk cohort (55/189 kindreds; 82/285 participants). Importantly, 10.4% of kindreds offered genetic testing were newly identified as having germline pathogenic variants, with majority being BRCA2. As genetic testing standards evolve rapidly in PDAC, 5-yearly reassessment of high-risk individuals by Familial Cancer Services is warranted.

Celebrating the career and contributions of Dr Henry T. Lynch (1928-2019).

This article celebrates the career of Dr Henry Lynch and his contributions to cancer genetics through his extensive research, clinical practice and his passion for personalising care by using a patient's genetic profile to determine management and treatment. Dr Lynch's contributions were momentous and continue to have relevance to medical practice, in particular in the fields of clinical genetics, medical oncology and gastroenterology.

Genetic counselling and personalised risk assessment in the Australian pancreatic cancer screening program.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive disease with a dismal 5-year survival rate. Surveillance of high-risk individuals is hoped to improve survival outcomes by detection of precursor lesions or early-stage malignancy. METHODS: Since 2011, a national high-risk cohort recruited through St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, has undergone prospective PC screening incorporating annual endoscopic ultrasound, formal genetic counselling and mutation analysis as appropriate. PancPRO, a Bayesian PC risk assessment model, was used to estimate 5-year and lifetime PC risks for familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) participants and this was compared to their perceived chance of pancreatic and other cancers. Genetic counselling guidelines were developed to improve consistency. Follow-up questionnaires were used to assess the role of genetic counselling and testing. RESULTS: We describe the Australian PC screening program design and recruitment strategy and the results of the first 102 individuals who have completed at least one-year of follow-up. Seventy-nine participants met the FPC criteria (≥ two first-degree relatives affected), 22 individuals had both a BRCA2 pathogenic variant and a close relative with PC and one had a clinical diagnosis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Participants reported a high perceived chance of developing PC regardless of their genetic testing status. PancPRO reported FPC participants' mean 5-year and lifetime PC risks as 1.81% (range 0.2-3.2%) and 10.17% (range 2.4-14.4%), respectively. Participants' perceived PC chance did not correlate with their PancPRO 5-year (r = - 0.17, p = 0.128) and lifetime PC risks (r = 0.19, p = 0.091). Two-thirds felt that current genetic testing would help them, and 91% of tested participants were glad to have undergone genetic testing. Overall, 79% of participants found genetic counselling to be helpful, and 88% reported they would recommend counselling to their relatives. CONCLUSIONS: Participants reported multiple benefits of genetic counselling and testing but continue to seek greater clarification about their individual PC risk. Extension of PancPRO is required to enable personalised PC risk assessment for all high-risk sub-groups. More detailed discussion of PC risk for BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers, providing a written summary in all cases and a plan for genetics review were identified as areas for improvement.

When is a mutation not a mutation: the case of the c.594-2A>C splice variant in a woman harbouring another BRCA1 mutation in trans.

Since the identification of BRCA1 there has only ever been described two bi-allelic mutation carriers, one of whom was subsequently shown to be a mono-allelic carrier. The second patient diagnosed with two BRCA1 mutations appears to be accurate but there remain some questions about the missense variant identified in that patient. In this report we have identified a woman who is a bi-allelic mutation carrier of BRCA1 and provide an explanation as to why this patient has a phenotype very similar to that of any mono-allelic mutation carrier. The splice variant identified in this patient appears to be associated with the up-regulation of a BRCA1 splice variant that rescues the lethality of being a double mutant. The consequences of the findings of this report may have implications for mutation interpretation and that could serve as a model for not only BRCA1 but also for other autosomal dominant disorders that are considered as being embryonically lethal.

Clinical and pathologic features of familial pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Inherited predisposition to pancreatic cancer contributes significantly to its incidence and presents an opportunity for the development of early detection strategies. The genetic basis of predisposition remains unexplained in a high proportion of patients with familial PC (FPC). METHODS: Clinicopathologic features were assessed in a cohort of 766 patients who had been diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PC). Patients were classified with FPC if they had ≥1 affected first-degree relatives; otherwise, they were classified with sporadic PC (SPC). RESULTS: The prevalence of FPC in this cohort was 8.9%. In FPC families with an affected parent-child pair, 71% in the subsequent generation were 12.3 years younger at diagnosis. Patients with FPC had more first-degree relatives who had an extrapancreatic malignancy (EPM) (42.6% vs 21.2; P<.0001), particularly melanoma and endometrial cancer, but not a personal history of EPM. Patients with SPC were more likely to be active smokers, have higher cumulative tobacco exposure, and have fewer multifocal precursor lesions, but these were not associated with differences in survival. Long-standing diabetes mellitus (>2 years) was associated with poor survival in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: FPC represents 9% of PC, and the risk of malignancy in kindred does not appear to be confined to the pancreas. Patients with FPC have more precursor lesions and include fewer active smokers, but other clinicopathologic factors and outcome are similar to those in patients with SPC. Furthermore, some FPC kindreds may exhibit anticipation. A better understanding of the clinical features of PC will facilitate efforts to uncover novel susceptibility genes and the development of early detection strategies.

Referral pathways in colorectal cancer: an audit of surgeons's records.

PURPOSE: To explore the referral pathways of patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer to surgeons. METHOD: Australian surgeons from three states completed a questionnaire and their records were audited. RESULTS: Thirty-three surgeons provided data on 530 patients seen in the preceding 12 months. The median time between colonoscopy and first surgical consult was 10 days, with 19% of patients waiting more than 28 days. After adjustment for clustering, no surgeon factors were associated with the number of days between colonoscopy and surgery. A report back to the general practitioner (GP) was found in 78% of patients' records. This feedback varied between surgeons but none of the specific surgeon characteristics examined could explain this. CONCLUSION: Surgeons usually communicated with GP regardless of whether they were the referral source. However, communication with GP varied considerably among surgeons, with no evidence of a report to the GP in one-fifth of cases.

Assessing the adherence to guidelines in Lynch syndrome patients: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer surveillance is important in the management of Lynch syndrome. In New South Wales, management guidelines for Lynch syndrome are published on the eviQ website. Benefits of cancer surveillance are maximized through adherence to guidelines. This has yet to be investigated in Sydney. Hence, this study aimed to determine the adherence rate of patients to these guidelines, assess their knowledge of the guidelines and determine potential factors hindering regular colonoscopies in these patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Lynch syndrome patients from the St Vincent's Hospital Cancer Genetics Unit, Sydney. Patients who appropriately fulfilled our inclusion criteria were mailed a questionnaire. The questionnaire was mailed twice to increase the response rate. Demographic and medical information were collected from patient medical records. Patient responses were analysed to determine adherence to the guidelines. RESULTS: Sixty-two individuals were invited to participate in this study. Among them, 47 responded (76%) with two being excluded, due to potential confounding factors. Thirty (67%) had their colonoscopies at recommended intervals, while 15 (33%) had delays. Within these two groups, many were ultimately deemed non-adherent to the guidelines due to over-screening with other tests. In total, 31 (69%) participants were considered over-screening for cancer, leaving only seven (16%) participants fully adherent to the guidelines. Only three (7%) had knowledge of the eviQ guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the eviQ guidelines was poor. The majority of participants were being over-screened for cancer. Knowledge of the guidelines needs to be improved.

Haemochromatosis HFE gene polymorphisms as potential modifiers of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer risk and onset age.

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is characterized by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes; however, variation in disease expression suggests that there are potential modifying factors. Polymorphisms of the HFE gene, which cause the iron overload disorder hereditary haemochromatosis, have been proposed as potential risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). To understand the relationship between HNPCC disease phenotype and polymorphisms of the HFE gene, a total of 362 individuals from Australia and Poland with confirmed causative MMR gene mutations were genotyped for the HFE C282Y and H63D polymorphisms. A significantly increased risk of developing CRC was observed for H63D homozygotes when compared with combined wild-type homozygotes and heterozygotes (hazard ratio = 2.93, p = 0.007). Evidence for earlier CRC onset was also observed in H63D homozygotes with a median age of onset 6 years earlier than wild type or heterozygous participants (44 vs. 50 years of age). This effect was significant by all tests used (log-rank test p = 0.026, Wilcoxon p = 0.044, Tarone-Ware p = 0.035). No association was identified for heterozygosity of either polymorphism and limitations on power-prevented investigation of C282Y homozygosity or compound C282Y/H63D heterozygosity. In the Australian sample only, women had a significantly reduced risk of developing CRC when compared with men (hazard ratio = 0.58, p = 0.012) independent of HFE genotype for either single nucleotide polymorphisms. In conclusion, homozygosity for the HFE H63D polymorphism seems to be a genetic modifier of disease expression in HNPCC. Understanding the mechanisms by which HFE interrelates with colorectal malignancies could lead to reduction of disease risk in HNPCC.

Features of duodenal cancer in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Most patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) develop duodenal adenomas; duodenal cancer is a major cause of mortality in this patient group. We reviewed cases of duodenal cancer in patients with FAP to identify factors that determine long-term cancer risk. METHODS: Twenty FAP patients (12 male) were identified from a registry database search. Data from registry and medical notes and endoscopic and histopathologic reports were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the cancers that developed in these patients, 11 were ampullary and 9 were duodenal. The median age at cancer diagnosis was 53 years. Seventeen patients died (median age at death, 57 y; median survival from diagnosis, 11 mo); the cause of death was metastatic or duodenal/ampullary cancer in 14 patients. Fifteen patients presented symptomatically (including 3 interval cancers while on surveillance). Two were diagnosed at surveillance and 3 were diagnosed during surgery performed for endoscopic features of advanced benign disease. Duodenal cancers were associated with a significantly lower mean colonic polyp count than ampullary cancers (496 +/- 282 vs 1322 +/- 735; P = .025); there appeared to be familial clustering of this cancer. When endoscopic data were available (n = 11 of 20), all ampullary cancers arose from ampullas greater than 1 cm. The Spigelman stage did not predict risk of ampullary cancer but did predict duodenal cancer (median stage 2 vs stage 4 for duodenal cancer). CONCLUSIONS: Once cancer arises in patients with FAP, prognosis is poor, so cancer prevention should be the main goal. Surveillance intervals should reflect both Spigelman staging and ampullary disease.

Adherence to guidelines for the referral of patients with colorectal cancer and abnormal tumour tissue testing for assessment of Lynch syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To determine the proportion of patients with colorectal cancer and abnormal immunohistochemistry testing of tumour tissue who were referred to a cancer genetic clinic for genetic counselling and possible germline testing of a blood sample for Lynch syndrome. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with colorectal cancer and abnormal immunohistochemistry tumour tissue testing from St Vincent's Hospital (between November 2007 and December 2016). Patient list was compared against a state-wide database TrakGene to ascertain the overall referral rate for these patients. RESULTS: Of 216 patients, the total referral rate was 33.8% (n = 73), of which 27.8% (n = 60) were referred to St Vincent's Hospital's Cancer Genetics Service, 6% (n = 13) were referred externally and the remaining 66.2% (n = 143) were not referred. Binomial regression analysis performed displayed that age influenced likelihood of referral, where patients were 7.7% more likely to be referred for every decreasing year in age (P = 0.0004). Some clinicians were 4.3 times more likely to refer patients compared to others (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Suboptimal patient uptake for cancer genetics evaluation was found. Identifying barriers to patient referral should lead to changes that increase patient referrals. This will ensure that patients receive adequate education, counselling and management of Lynch syndrome. It would also allow for the identification of further at-risk relatives for whom preventative strategies can be employed. In addition, identification of relatives not at risk by genetic testing will liberate them from unnecessary colonoscopies. Discussion with the clinicians involved has since allowed for copies of the immunohistochemistry results to be forwarded by the Pathology Department to the Cancer Genetics Unit for checking and follow up with the clinician to ensure that their patients are aware of the result and have been offered referral for cancer genetic evaluation. This process is subject to ongoing audit.

NTHL1-associate polyposis: first Australian case report.

While familial adenomatous polyposis accounts for approximately 1% of all colorectal cancer, the genetic cause underlying the development of multiple colonic adenomas remains unsolved in many patients. Adenomatous polyposis syndromes can be divided into: familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH-associated polyposis, polymerase proofreading associated polyposis and the recently described NTHL1-associated polyposis (NAP). NAP is characterised by recessive inheritance, attenuated adenomatous polyposis, colonic cancer(s) and possible extracolonic malignancies. To date, 11 cases have been reported as having germline homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the base excision repair gene NTHL1. Here we present a further case of a 65-year-old male with a history of adenomatous polyposis and bladder cancer, who has a previously described homozygous nonsense variant in the NTHL1 gene. This case is consistent with the emerging phenotype previously described of multiple colorectal adenomas and at least one primary tumour, adding to the small but growing body of literature about NAP.

Outcomes of universal germline testing for men with prostate cancer in an Australian tertiary center.

AIM: The role of germline testing in prostate cancer is evolving and knowledge of an individual's genetic profile may be used to guide not only an assessment of their familial risk but also have prognostic and therapeutic implications. Although international guidelines have incorporated recommendations for germline testing in prostate cancer, there is little Australian data to guide referrals. The aim of this study is to review the frequency of relevant pathogenic mutations in an Australian center, their associated clinical factors and clinical impact. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of men with prostate cancer that undertook prospective germline testing using a targeted next generation sequencing panel. RESULTS: Results for 100 men were analyzed. Median age at diagnosis was 62 years (range 43-84); 92% had metastatic disease at referral. A pathogenic mutation was confirmed in 9%, a likely pathogenic variant in 2% and a variant of uncertain significance in 15%. Age ≤60 years was associated with an increased risk for a pathogenic germline variant (P = 0.0096). Two of the nine (22%) with pathogenic variants went on to receive targeted treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this single center study, the incidence of germline mutations in genes associated with DNA-repair was consistent with rates seen previously published international series of men with metastatic disease. A pathogenic variant was only seen in one patient >60 years of age and no man referred solely on the basis of age or high-risk localized disease had a relevant finding.

Disseminating risk information to familial adenomatous polyposis families.

The Hereditary Cancer Registers (HCR) offer registration to individuals at risk of hereditary bowel cancer. Most families are registered to the HCR via Familial Cancer Clinics (FCC)s. The FCCs work together with the HCR to inform family members that they may be at increased risk of hereditary bowel cancer. In 2002, The Hunter Family Cancer Service (HFCS) and the HCR developed a system to ensure at risk family members become informed of their risk. Evaluation of this system is presented. The system involves tracking which family members are informed of their risk using a rating system. Being informed is graded numerically, from 5 (not informed) through to 1(definitely informed). Changes in score are brought about through staff and the FCC and HCR working with registrants to contact at risk family members. This study analyses data collected for a subgroup of 21 families registered with the HCR by the HFCS. Baseline and resulting scores indicated whether the 738 at risk family members had become better informed of their risk. One hundred and sixty eight individuals changed to a score of "definitely informed" and 230 individuals score changed from "not informed" to being better informed. The results demonstrate significant change in these family members towards becoming better informed (z = -13.88, P < 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). These data suggest that the system for informing family members of their risk has resulted in significant positive change towards these individuals becoming more informed. The system has the potential to reach over 2,800 at risk family members, of registered families, resulting in improved surveillance and better health outcomes.