Personalized Education and Genetic Counseling to Increase Genetic Testing in Patients with a Known Family History of Pancreatic Cancer
This clinical trial studies whether personalized education and genetic counseling increases genetic testing in patients with a known family history of pancreatic cancer. Approximately 10% of pancreatic cancer cases are genetically linked and therefore, if a gene is found that could put a patient at risk, it could guide the patient to obtain more frequent screening for pancreatic cancer and possibly detect it earlier when it is more treatable. The current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines suggest patients with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with pancreatic cancer be referred for a genetics consultation to discuss genetic testing if the affected family member cannot be tested. Personalized education is based on the patient's family history of pancreatic cancer and offers information regarding the current NCCN guidelines. This may be an effective method to increase patients' understanding of their pancreatic cancer risk and the NCCN guidelines. Genetic counseling is provided by an expert in hereditary disorders. The patient's family and personal medical history may be discussed, and counseling may lead to genetic testing. Personalized education and genetic counseling may increase genetic testing in patients with a known family history of pancreatic cancer.