Impact of personal genomic risk information on melanoma prevention behaviors and psychological outcomes: a randomized controlled trial

Amelia K. Smit, Martin Allen, Brooke Beswick, Phyllis Butow, Hugh Dawkins, Suzanne J. Dobbinson, Kate L. Dunlop, David Espinoza, Georgina Fenton, Peter A. Kanetsky, Louise Keogh, Michael G. Kimlin, Judy Kirk, Matthew H. Law, Serigne Lo, Cynthia Low, Graham J. Mann, Gillian Reyes-Marcelino, Rachael L. Morton, Ainsley J. NewsonJacqueline Savard, Lyndal Trevena, Sarah Wordsworth, Anne E. Cust*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)
75 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: 

We evaluated the impact of personal melanoma genomic risk information on sun-related behaviors and psychological outcomes. 

Methods: 

In this parallel group, open, randomized controlled trial, 1,025 Australians of European ancestry without melanoma and aged 18–69 years were recruited via the Medicare database (3% consent). Participants were randomized to the intervention (n = 513; saliva sample for genetic testing, personalized melanoma risk booklet based on a 40-variant polygenic risk score, telephone-based genetic counseling, educational booklet) or control (n = 512; educational booklet). Wrist-worn ultraviolet (UV) radiation dosimeters (10-day wear) and questionnaires were administered at baseline, 1 month postintervention, and 12 months postbaseline. 

Results: 

At 12 months, 948 (92%) participants completed dosimetry and 973 (95%) the questionnaire. For the primary outcome, there was no effect of the genomic risk intervention on objectively measured UV exposure at 12 months, irrespective of traditional risk factors. For secondary outcomes at 12 months, the intervention reduced sunburns (risk ratio: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.96), and increased skin examinations among women. Melanoma-related worry was reduced. There was no overall impact on general psychological distress. 

Conclusion: 

Personalized genomic risk information did not influence sun exposure patterns but did improve some skin cancer prevention and early detection behaviors, suggesting it may be useful for precision prevention. There was no evidence of psychological harm.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2394-2403
Number of pages10
JournalGenetics in Medicine
Volume23
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2021
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Impact of personal genomic risk information on melanoma prevention behaviors and psychological outcomes: a randomized controlled trial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this