If you're at high risk for breast cancer, getting genetic counseling can be a big step. But what if you could do it from home? A new study suggests that an online approach works just as well as the standard in-person visit.
The trial involved 866 women who were at elevated risk for breast cancer. Some received the "Know Your Risk" (KYR) intervention, which included online educational videos, direct access to genetic testing, and a choice of how to get post-test counseling. Others went through conventional genetic counseling.
Both groups improved their knowledge of cancer genetics. The KYR group's knowledge score went from about 6.87 to 8.66 out of 12, while the conventional group went from a similar baseline to 8.56. The online method was also non-inferior in terms of risk perception accuracy, attitudes, and satisfaction.
This doesn't mean online counseling is better, but it's a solid alternative. It could make genetic counseling more accessible and convenient for women who might otherwise skip it. The study was a randomized trial, which gives it good evidence strength, but the results are limited to the specific online program tested.
