Assessment of education and counselling offered by a familial colorectal cancer clinic

We have evaluated whether or not client expectations in terms of education and information needs, have been met by a multi-disciplinary familial color ectal cancer clinic. The study used a pre- and post-clinic questionnaire de sign and 126 (84 women, 42 men) clients of the clinic participated. The mos t common reason for coming to the clinic is to 'find out whether then is a gene for colorectal cancer in the family', followed by 'to reduce risk for bowel cancer' and 'concern for children's risk'. Clients would have preferr ed to receive more information before attendance at the clinic to help with preparation. Information given during the clinic increased knowledge of bo wel cancer genetics and had a positive effect on the accuracy of some clien ts' perceptions of their risk of developing cancer. In multivariate analysi s, higher risk perceptions, higher education level and greater baseline kno wledge predicted post-clinic knowledge of bowel cancer genetics and an incr ease in knowledge, Client reports of the presence of a genetic counsellor o r medical geneticist in the session also predicted post-clinic knowledge an d an increase in knowledge. Most participants felt they received enough inf ormation during the clinic session on various aspects of familial colorecta l cancer, but the desire for mon written information on prevention, includi ng lifestyle actions, was expressed bq many.