Pilot implementation study of a default genetic referral process for patients with early-onset colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosed under age 50 is increasing at alarming rates, with >75% of early-onset cases occurring in patients between 40 and 49 years old. Germline genetic risk evaluations are key to delivering high-quality care to these patients.

Methods

We conducted a single-arm pilot implementation study of a default genetic referral process for patients diagnosed with CRC between ages 40 and 49 at 5 hospitals in an academic health system. A research coordinator notified patients and their oncologists of their eligibility for a default genetic referral, after which all patients who did not opt out were referred for genetic counseling, testing, and result disclosure as per usual care. The primary outcome was the genetic referral rate; secondary o

SUBMITTER: Lau-Min KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11780105 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature