Abstract
Managing the burden of a high-risk hereditary cancer genetic test result, probands are also often tasked with communicating cancer risk information to their family members. Predictably, this duty to warn is associated with emotional and logistical complications. To improve support and outcomes for these patients and their family members, this study aimed to deepen understanding of the hereditary cancer risk communication process. We conducted semi-structured interviews with ConnectMyVariant users that had a familial pathogenic variant in genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. During the interviews, the participant and researcher collaboratively developed a communication timeline to represent the longitudinal experience of the participant. We found clear evidence that hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk communication occurs through successive, ongoing interactions. Follow-up and ongoing communication events preceded 40.8% of the total familial testing reported, corresponding with a correlation coefficient of 0.44. Additionally, we characterized patterns unique to extended family communication. Lastly, our findings provide insight to how probands assess hereditary risk communication. Further validation of these results will inform probands and genetic health professionals of effective patterns when sharing hereditary cancer risk information.