The Psychosocial Effects of The Li-Fraumeni Education and Early Detection (Lead) Program On Indivdiuals With Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

<p>Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary cancer syndrome that leads to an increased risk of multiple cancers. In the past five years new screening protocols have been developed that provide improved screening options for individuals with LFS. However, very little has been published on the psychosocial impact of these screening protocols. The goals of this study were to determine how participation in screening impacts individuals psychosocially, to examine the benefits and drawbacks of screening, and to evaluate possible barriers to continued screening. This qualitative study consisted of phone interviews with 20 individuals that took part in an LFS screening program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Data analysis showed that benefits of screening include early detection, peace of mind, centralized screening, knowledge providing power, and screening making LFS seem more livable. Perceived drawbacks included logistical issues, difficulty navigating the system, screening being draining, and significant negative emotional reactions such as anxiety, fear, and skepticism. Regardless of the emotions that were present, 100% of participants plan on continuing screening in the program. Our data indicates that the perceived benefits of screening outweigh the drawbacks of screening. Individuals in this screening program appear to have improved psychosocial well-being because of their access to the screening program.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Masters of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (MS)

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Ross, Jessica L

Contributors dc:contributor

• Louise Strong, MD
• Sarah Jane Noblin, MS, CGC
• Susan K. Peterson, Ph.D., MPH

• Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
• psychosocial effects
• LEAD Program
• comprehensive Li-Fraumeni Syndrome screening
• cancer screening
• psychosocial
• Oncology
• Psychological Phenomena and Processes

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/utgsbs_dissertations/662

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu:utgsbs_dissertations-1705