Patient-initiated lifestyle changes following receipt of genetic test results in a predominantly marginalized population

Abstract

Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and other actionable findings aims to improve health outcomes by informing patients and practitioners about genetic disease risks and guiding decisions on risk-reducing actions. This study explored patient-initiated lifestyle changes following genetic testing in a study population who predominantly screened positive on a hereditary risk assessment cancer tool prior to genetic testing, with a large proportion of individuals from marginalized groups with historically limited access to genetic services. A survey was administered to 761 study participants 6 months after result disclosure to capture initiation of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation). Initiation of changes was assessed for association with patient-specific factors. Five hundred and fifty-six individuals completed surveys; 75% met criteria for belonging to a marginalized group. Among respondents, 20.5% reported at least one lifestyle change; primarily in diet (17.1%) and exercise (13.7%). Making a lifestyle change was associated with having a personal cancer history and higher perceived personal utility but not genetic finding, being a member of a marginalized group, or gender. Most participants with a personal cancer history did not receive a positive finding in a cancer risk gene, potentially motivating them to make lifestyle changes compared with participants without a personal cancer history.