Direct to patient testing at cancer diagnosis for precision prevention -DETECT 2
Who can take part
Please note - unless we state otherwise in the summary, you need to talk to your doctor about joining a trial.
You may be able to take part in this trial if:
- you are over 18
- you have ovarian, womb or bowel cancer and are eligible for NHS genetic testing
- you haven’t already been tested for Lynch Syndrome or any ovarian cancer genes eg BRCA 1 & 2
- no one in your family is known to have a cancer-causing genetic alteration in the genes that you are being offered testing for
- you can access the internet and have an email address
This is not an exhaustive list. If you're interested in participating in a clinical trial, you should speak to your doctor about what other criteria might apply.
About the trial
Many people with ovarian cancer are offered genetic testing at diagnosis to see if their cancer is related to an inherited gene mutation (for example a change in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.) Knowing if there are any inherited gene mutations can help doctors offer the best treatment plans, prevent other cancers developing and offer potential testing of family members for cancer screening and prevention.
It is important that people are informed about genetic testing and the potential impact of the results. Currently this information is discussed at a hospital appointment by health care professionals and the test is then done by taking a blood sample. This study is testing whether it is acceptable to have genetic testing at home with online information and phone support and the test done by using a saliva (spit) sample which is as accurate as a blood test.
If you take part in this trial, you will be randomised (placed into a treatment group by a computer) into one of these two groups:
- Standard hospital testing – genetic testing information given by a member of the cancer team and genetic testing performed by a blood test in hospital
- Direct to patient testing – genetic testing information provided on an interactive web app that can be accessed anywhere and genetic testing performed at home using a straightforward saliva test. Access to telephone support and counselling is available.
All participants will be followed up by the research team.
