Increasing genetic counseling for families at risk of Lynch syndrome
Official title: Development and Initial Testing of a Behavioral Intervention to Increase Pre-Test Genetic Counseling Among Families at Risk of Lynch Syndrome
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11138785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping families who might be at risk for Lynch syndrome get the genetic counseling they need, by figuring out what stops them from seeking help and creating helpful resources to encourage them to get tested for cancer sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00CA277584-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have family members diagnosed with Lynch syndrome and are at risk but have not undergone genetic counseling themselves.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of Lynch syndrome or those who have already undergone genetic counseling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the uptake of pre-test genetic counseling for families at risk of Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that increases cancer risk. The project aims to identify the barriers and facilitators that prevent individuals from seeking genetic counseling. By developing a behavioral intervention based on these findings, the research seeks to motivate more families to participate in genetic testing, which can lead to earlier cancer detection and prevention. The approach includes gathering insights from families and creating tailored resources to support their decision-making process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased awareness and participation in genetic counseling, ultimately reducing cancer risks for families affected by Lynch syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that behavioral interventions can effectively increase participation in genetic counseling, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Haoyang — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Yan, Haoyang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Immune clues to prevent cancer in Lynch Syndrome
A study exploring how immune signals and shared neoantigens in Lynch Syndrome could help prevent cancer by training the immune system to recognize and fight premalignant lesions.
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Personalized, Noninvasive Surveillance for Lynch Syndrome Colorectal Cancer
This project tests a noninvasive fecal test (FIT) alongside colonoscopy to tailor colorectal cancer surveillance for people with Lynch syndrome.
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Behavioral tool to boost pre-test genetic counseling for Lynch syndrome families
A risk-based program helps families at risk for Lynch syndrome get pre-test counseling more often, so they can learn about genetic testing and cancer prevention.
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Cancer vaccines for Lynch syndrome in a non-human primate model
A researcher is testing a vaccine approach to help prevent Lynch syndrome–related cancers by training the immune system to recognize cancer-causing changes in the colon using a primate model.
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Neoantigen vaccine for Lynch syndrome immune interception
A study to test a vaccine that teaches the immune system to recognize cancer-causing mutations in people with Lynch syndrome.
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Personalized colorectal cancer screening for people with Lynch syndrome
This project aims to find the best colonoscopy schedule for people with Lynch syndrome based on their specific gene.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.