Knowledge and Awareness of Cancer Genome Profiling Tests among Japanese Patients with Cancer

Abstract

(1) Background: The number of patients with cancer undergoing cancer genome profiling is increasing; however, it remains unclear how accurately they understand the details of the tests and treatments. This study aimed to clarify the awareness of cancer genome profiling tests among patients with cancer who visited cancer genome medical clinics. (2) Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted on awareness, anxiety, sources of information, and psychological states concerning cancer genome profiling tests. (3) Results: In total, 265 patients with cancer (117 men, 142 women, 6 no response, average age of 58.29 ± 11.9 years) were included in the study, of which 218 (82.3%) were aware of the term “cancer genomic medicine” and 90 (34.0%) were aware of its details. Thus, only a few respondents understood that cancer genome profiling tests facilitate the discovery of secondary findings and of genes associated with hereditary tumors. Regarding their psychological state when visiting the cancer genome clinic, the respondents were anxious about standard treatment and prognosis limits. (4) Conclusions: From the viewpoint of advance care planning, we suggest that medical professionals build a support system that links palliative care and cancer treatment and coordinates genetic counseling at an early stage.

Keywords

• cancer
• genome profiling
• cancer genomic medicine