The goal of this study is to find out if self-collected vaginal swabs can be used to detect early signs of uterine cancer or related conditions in people with Lynch syndrome (LS) who still have their uterus. The study also tests if people with LS are willing and able to collect these samples themselves and whether they find the process acceptable. The main questions this study asks are: * Will people with LS take part in self-collection of vaginal samples, and do they find it acceptable? * Can vaginal DNA mutations predict cancer risk or match results from other genetic or biopsy testing? * Can a cancer risk model used in the general population also help identify risk in people with LS? Participants will: * Answer a health questionnaire about lifestyle and symptoms * Collect their own vaginal swabs and measure their vaginal pH at home using a self-collection kit * Complete short surveys around the time of self-collection and at the end of the study
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SCREENING
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Participants will receive up to three at-home collection kits with a vaginal swab for DNA collection, a vaginal swab for microbiome sampling, a vaginal pH testing kit, and instructions on how to perform the sample collection. Vaginal DNA will be collected using Zymo DNA/RNA Shield, vaginal microbiome DNA will be collected using Genotek OMNIgene, and vaginal pH will be collected using GYNEX pHem-Alert. Those with abnormal findings will be referred to a gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist for appropriate clinical assessment. Those with negative pathology will remain in the study. The self-collection will be repeated up to two more times, at eight-to-nine-month intervals, up to three successful self-collections.
VGH Research Pavilion
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
RECRUITINGFeasibility and Acceptability of Self-collected Vaginal DNA to Assess for the Presence of Mutations Related to EC or EC Precursors
Feasibility will be measured by enrollment and adherence rates. Enrollment is defined as interested individuals completing the first round of self-collection. Adherence is defined as compliance with returning vaginal DNA samples, completing the health questionnaire, and submitting the exit survey. Acceptability will be measured through responses to a questionnaire post-self-collection and an exit survey, evaluating ease and overall experience with the self-collection process.
Time frame: Through study completion, anticipated 1-2 years
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