The Cancer Genetics StoryBank: Using Digital Stories to Provide Information and Support for Individuals At Risk of Hereditary Cancer

The Cancer Genetics Service for Wales (CGSW) offers a range of services such as risk assessment and genetic testing for people with a family history of inherited cancer. Individuals going through these processes often have unmet information and support needs. Hearing real stories about patient experiences can help those affected by, or concerned about, cancer, as well as raising awareness of the role that family history plays in cancer generally. We aimed to create an online collection of digital stories from patients and staff at CGSW. Patients agreed to share their story at a series of patient involvement events held by CGSW. In total, 23 patients shared their experiences of their journey through CGSW. Their stories were captured using audio clips and personal photographs. Our storytellers were aged between 28 and 75 years, had a range of risk levels for inherited cancer and many had already had cancer. The stories cover a range of issues that patients in CGSW may face, including experiences of genetic counselling, and decisions about risk-reducing surgery and screening. Staff from CGSW have also contributed to the StoryBank with factual information about cancer and genetics. Digital stories are freely available on our website www.cancergeneticsstorybank.co.uk. The StoryBank is an online resource for patient information and support. The stories provide essential information about cancer genetics to patients and the general public. It is hoped that hearing real stories about other people's experiences provides psychosocial support in an engaging way for individuals affected by cancer.