An Exploration of Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancer Susceptibility

An Exploration of Factors Affecting Interest and Uptake of Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancer Susceptibility: The Clinical Application of Genetic Testing for Lower Risk Cancer Predisposition Genes

Study of the factors that affect interest in - and uptake of - genetic testing for variants that predispose to prostate cancer from the perspective of the patient.

This study will use a mixed methods approach to follow men as they move through the genetic testing process, from initial contact through to receiving their genetic testing results. A questionnaire will be used to measure variables at both baseline and after proceeding through the testing process. A small cohort of men will be invited to be interviewed to gather some in depth qualitative data about the issues that have arisen during the study process.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men with a positive family history of prostate cancer. The definition of a positive family history will be: Men with a first degree relative with prostate cancer diagnosed at <70 years; Men with two relatives with prostate cancer where at least on is diagnosed at <70 years; Men with three relatives with prostate cancer diagnosed at any age
• Age 40-69 years
• No previous biopsy for raised PSA
• Absence of any psychological, familial, sociological or geographic situation potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous prostate cancer
• Men from families where there is known to be a mutation in a high-risk prostate cancer gene
• Men who have had a prostate biopsy within the last 12 months.