Understanding Parent-Child Communication About Cancer Risk in Young People
Barriers and Facilitators of Parent-Child Communication in Children With Cancer Predisposition
This study looks at how parents talk to their kids and young adults about their genetic test results for cancer risk to see what helps or makes it harder for them to communicate.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Memphis, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT05849155 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) aged 10-24 years who have undergone genetic testing for cancer predisposition. It aims to explore how parents communicate with their CAYA about the implications of their genetic test results and the associated psychosocial outcomes. By utilizing questionnaires, behavioral observations, and qualitative interviews, the study seeks to identify barriers and facilitators in these communications. The findings will inform future genetic education strategies to enhance understanding and management of cancer risk.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children, adolescents, and young adults aged 10-24 years with a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a known cancer predisposition gene.
Not a fit: Patients who are only carriers of recessive variants that do not increase cancer risk will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve communication strategies between parents and children regarding genetic cancer risks, leading to better psychosocial outcomes and preventive care.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, similar studies have indicated the importance of effective communication in managing health risks, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient aged 10 to 24 years (inclusive) * Patient underwent germline genetic testing with a Pathogenic/Likely Pathogenic (P/LP) variant in a known cancer predisposition gene that increases risk for developing cancer * P/LP result disclosed to the patient * Patient has a primary caregiver willing to participate * Patient and participating caregiver able to speak and read English Exclusion Criteria: * Patient is only a carrier of a recessive variant that does not alone increase risk for cancer * Inability or unwillingness of patient or participating caregiver or to give informed consent/assent * Participating caregiver is under the age of 18 years * Patient or participating caregiver has evidence of significant cognitive deficits (per medical record) that would interfere with the ability to comprehend study questions * Patient's medical status or condition precludes completion of study (as determined by medical team, patient, or parent)
Where this trial is running
Memphis, Tennessee
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katianne Sharp, PhD — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Katianne Sharp, PhD
- Email: referralinfo@stjude.org
- Phone: 888-226-4343
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.