Brief Intervention using Genetic Risk Education (BIGRE Trial)

The estimated disease burden due to alcohol-related esophageal cancer in Japan is large, with 5,279 cancer deaths and 102,988 disability adjusted life years lost per year. Through personalized medicine and public health genetics approaches, this study will determine the efficacy of an internet-based brief intervention for people who screen positive for alcohol use and the ALDH2*2 genotype. This allele, identified by a flushing response, is associated with an increased risk for esophageal cancers. If effective, this genetic risk education intervention can be shared through public health initiatives in clinics, hospitals, or broadcast public service announcements to reduce Japanese healthcare costs and improve family and social wellbeing.