Developing a digital genetic testing pathway

What’s the project about?

Around 1 in 5 women with breast cancer are eligible for genetic testing from the NHS.

Researchers recently developed and tested an online pathway called BRCA-DIRECT which aims to make it easier for men and women to access genetic testing. It allows people to receive digital information about genetic testing and get their test results online, instead of through face-to-face appointments.

Researchers are now looking at how the BRCA-DIRECT pathway can be introduced in NHS breast units across the UK.

They’d like to talk to people who’ve had a breast cancer diagnosis to understand your opinion about this pathway. They want to talk to people from specific groups who may face barriers to accessing this service to understand how they can make it more accessible.

Who can take part?

Anyone who’s had a breast cancer diagnosis and fits at least 1 of these criteria:

• Aged 70 years or over
• From an ethnically diverse background
• Low household income
• No formal qualifications

Why do you want me to be involved?

By sharing your opinion about this pathway and whether you think there are any barriers to using it, you’ll help researchers identify solutions to potential issues.

Researchers hope that this project will help them to successfully introduce this new pathway for genetic testing and improve accessibility for underserved patients.

What will you ask me to do?

You’ll be invited to a telephone interview. It’ll take place over the Summer, and you can choose a time that’s convenient for you.

The interview will take around 20-30 minutes and it will be about your views of genetic testing and any challenges or needs associated with it.

You’ll receive a £25 voucher to thank you for taking part.

How do I get involved?

If you’re interested in taking part, or would like to find out more, please contact the researchers directly.

You can email them at adminshore-c@sussex.ac.uk, or phone them on 01273 873 019.