ORIGINAL ARTICLE Population-based genetic risk prediction and stratification for ovarian cancer: views from women at high risk

The Author(s) 2014. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract There is an opportunity to improve outcomes for ovarian cancer (OC) through advances in risk stratifi-cation, early detection and diagnosis. A population-based OC genetic risk prediction and stratification program is being developed. A previous focus group study with indi-viduals from the general population showed support for the proposed program. This qualitative interview study explores the attitudes of women at high risk of OC. Eight women participated in one-on-one, in-depth, semi-struc-tured interviews to explore: experiences of learning of OC risk, risk perceptions, OC knowledge and awareness, and opinions on risk stratification approach. There was evi-dence of strong support for the proposed program. Benefits were seen as providing reassurance to women at low risk, and reducing worry in women at high risk through appro-priate clinical management. Stratification into ‘low ’ and ‘high ’ risk groups was well-received. Participants were more hesitant about stratification to the ‘intermediate ’ risk group. The data suggest formats to effectively communi-cate OC risk estimates will require careful thought. Inter-actions with GPs were highlighted as a barrier to OC risk assessment and diagnosis. These results are encouraging for the possible introduction and uptake of a risk prediction and stratification program for OC in the general population