ProAct Platform for Family Communication of Genetic Cancer Risk

CHCR partnered with the University of Michigan and Stanford University to design and develop ProAct, a mobile-optimized web platform that helps patients communicate genetic cancer risk to their families.

The platform supports both patients and their relatives through education, communication tools, and guided pathways for genetic testing and follow-up.

Patients identified with hereditary cancer risk often need to inform family members who may also be at risk.

However, this process is challenging because:

• Patients may not know how to communicate complex genetic information
• Family outreach is inconsistent or incomplete
• Relatives may not understand their risk or next steps
• Testing is often delayed or not pursued

A structured, supportive system was needed to guide both patients and families through this process.

CHCR designed and developed a complete, end-to-end digital intervention supporting both patients (probands) and their family members.

Patient Experience (Probands)

• Digital consent and onboarding
• Educational modules explaining genetic risk
• Family tree input and management
• Tools to invite and re-invite family members
• AI-assisted letter generation, allowing patients to edit and personalize outreach
• Dashboard to track which family members have engaged

Family Member Experience

• Invitation into the platform
• Digital consent and onboarding
• Educational content tailored to their situation
• Guided next steps for genetic testing
• Randomization to receive free or reduced-cost testing

Patients begin by enrolling in the platform and completing educational content.

They then:

1. Enter family information
2. Generate and customize outreach messages
3. Invite family members directly through the platform

Family members:

1. Receive an invitation
2. Join the platform and complete their own education
3. Are guided through testing options and next steps

This creates a structured pathway from patient diagnosis to family awareness and action.

The platform includes AI-assisted letter generation that helps patients communicate genetic risk clearly and effectively, while still allowing for personalization before messages are sent.

• Active multi-institutional study between U-M and Stanford
• Supports both patient and family engagement
• Improves communication of hereditary cancer risk
• Enables more consistent follow-through on genetic testing

Project type: Mobile-optimized web application

Primary users: Patients and family members

Focus: Cancer genetics, communication, and decision support

Capabilities: UX design, full-stack development, AI integration, intervention design