Impact of Lung Cancer Diagnosis on Relatives' Understanding of Genetic Risk and Receptivity to Quit Smoking

This study will explore beliefs and knowledge about genetics and smoking among smokers who have a first or second degree relative with advanced lung cancer, and whether their understanding of genetic risk influences their desire to quit smoking. Healthy adult smokers between 18 and 55 years of age who are first or second degree relatives (e.g., siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces or grandnephews) of a patient with advanced lung cancer who is receiving care at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Fla. and the GUMC/LCCC, may be eligible for this study. Participants must be able to complete computer online surveys. Participants log on to a password-protected website to complete online educational sessions and surveys. The educational sessions include information on: 1) the role of smoking and genetics in the development of lung cancer; 2) glutathione S transferase (GSTM1), an enzyme made by the GSTM1 gene that "cleans up" toxins such as cigarette smoke and that may play a role in preventing lung cancer from developing; 3) pros and cons of being tested for GSTM1; and 5) a series of questions and answers about genetic testing. Participants are offered free genetic testing for GSTM1, and those who wish to be tested are sent materials to collect a sample from inside the cheek using a mouth rinse and return it to a laboratory at Duke University Medical Center. They later receive their results online. Participants also complete online surveys that ask about their risk perceptions, beliefs and attitudes related to lung cancer, emotional responses to their relative's diagnosis, smoking history and motivation to quit, reactions to information about smoking and genetic risk, and interest in receiving smoking cessation services. They are asked to review depictions and descriptions of smoking cessation materials offered through a quit smoking program at Duke University Medical Center and to evaluate the extent to which the various materials might be helpful. They are offered additional information among categories they can choose from. Participants are surveyed again by telephone 6 months after completing the online surveys.