• Aya Ayoub, Julie Lapointe, Hermann Nabi, and Nora Pashayan.
• National Heart & Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London.
• Br J Gen Pract. 2023 Jul 1; 73 (suppl 1).

BackgroundA polygenic risk score (PRS) quantifies the aggregated effects of common genetic variants in an individual. A 'personalised breast cancer risk assessment' combines PRS with other genetic and non-genetic risk factors to offer risk-stratified screening and interventions. Large-scale studies are evaluating the clinical utility and feasibility of implementing risk-stratified screening; however, GPs' views remain largely unknown.AimTo explore GPs' knowledge of PRS and risk-stratified screening, attitudes towards risk-stratified screening, and preferences for continuing professional development.MethodCross-sectional online survey of UK GPs, July-August 2022, distributed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and via other mailing lists and social media.ResultsIn total, 109 GPs completed the survey; 49% were not familiar with the concept of PRS. Regarding risk-stratified screening pathways, 75% agreed with earlier and more frequent screening for women at high risk; 43% neither agreed nor disagreed with later and less screening for women at lower-than-average risk; and 55% disagreed with completely removing screening for women at much lower risk. Eighty-one percent felt positive about the potential impact of risk-stratified screening towards patients; 62% felt positive about the potential impact on their practice. GPs selected training of healthcare professionals as the priority for future risk-stratified screening implementation, preferring online formats for learning.ConclusionThe results suggest limited knowledge of PRS and risk-stratified screening among GPs. Training - preferably using online learning formats - was identified as the top priority for future implementation. GPs felt positive about the potential impact of risk-stratified screening; however, there was hesitance and disagreement towards a low-risk screening pathway.© British Journal of General Practice 2023.

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