University of Michigan study aims to identify inherited cancer susceptibility
The study aims to enroll adults diagnosed with certain cancers or at a higher risk of inherited cancer through virtual genetics navigators or health coaches. Researchers at the University of Michigan are conducting a statewide research study, the Might Study, to identify more people with an inherited risk for cancer to receive genetic testing. The study will enroll adults with certain cancers and those at a higher risk of having an inherited cancer through a virtual genetics navigator or genetics health coach. The researchers believe the findings could have a significant impact on cancer prevention. Dr. Elena Stoffel, the director of the Rogel Cancer Center Cancer Genetics Clinic, received a $4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Moonshot Program for this effort. Researchers have developed a comprehensive family history form that patients can fill out themselves.
Published : 4 weeks ago by MD, Frank McGeorge in Health
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Most cancers develop by chance, but about 5-10% are impacted by genetics.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are conducting a statewide research study to help more people with an inherited risk for cancer to get genetic testing. It’s called the Might Study.
Researchers will enroll adults who have been diagnosed with certain cancers and those who are at a higher risk of having an inherited cancer through a virtual genetics navigator or genetics health coach.
The study leaders said the findings could have a significant impact on cancer prevention.
“This is actually not just early detection, but prevention of cancer,” said Dr. Elena Stoffel. “And I don’t think we can stress enough how much oncologists would like to be put out of business.”
Fewer than one-third of patients have a complete family history documented in their medical record.
“That missing information in nearly 70% of people with cancer means that we are most likely missing many patients who could be identified as having an inherited susceptibility to breast and other really important cancers,” Stoffel said.
As part of the Might Study, researchers developed a comprehensive family history form that patients can fill out themselves.
“Our hope is that we can actually expand access to genetic testing, by educating providers about who needs genetic testing, and actually empowering individuals to talk to their doctors, and also to seek out of where to get genetic testing,” Stoffel said.
Stoffel is the director of the Rogel Cancer Center Cancer Genetics Clinic, which received a $4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Moonshot Program for this effort.
“It’s really important to know that this is there and available,” Stoffel said. “That’s what the might study is trying to do get the word out and help individuals who would benefit from testing, find out how they can get testing done.”
The Univerisity of Michigan is actively reaching out to some cancer patients through doctors’ offices to invite them to participate, but researchers are also looking to enroll people who have relatives with cancer but haven’t been personally diagnosed.
How long it takes to complete the survey depends on the size of the family and how many relatives have had cancer, but it’s estimated to be less than 20 minutes.
More information on the Might Study can be found here.
Topics: Academia