BRCA1 testing in families with hereditary breast-ovarian cancer. A prospective study of patient decision making and outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To identify predictors of utilization of breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility (BRCA1 gene) testing and to evaluate outcomes of participation in a testing program.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study with baseline interview assessment of predictor variables (eg, sociodemographic factors, knowledge about hereditary cancer and genetic testing, perceptions of testing benefits, limitations, and risks). BRCA1 test results were offered after an education and counseling session in a research setting. Outcome variables (including depression, functional health status, and prophylactic surgery plans [follow-up only]) were assessed at baseline and 1-month follow-up interviews.


METHODS
Adult male and female members (n=279) of families with BRCA1-linked hereditary breast-ovarian cancer (HBOC).


RESULTS
Of subjects who completed a baseline interview (n=192), 60% requested BRCA1 test results (43% of all study subjects requested results). Requests for results were more frequent for persons with health insurance (odds ration [OR], 3.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06-6.80); more first-degree relatives affected with breast cancer (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16-2.16); more knowledge about BRCA1 testing (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.36-2.50); and indicating that test benefits are important (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.86). At follow-up, noncarriers of BRCA1 mutations showed statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms and functional impairment compared with carriers and nontested individuals. Individuals identified as mutation carriers did not exhibit increases in depression and functional impairment. Among unaffected women with no prior prophylactic surgery, 17% of carriers (2/12) intended to have mastectomies and 33% (4/12) to have oophorectomies.


CONCLUSIONS
Only a subset of HBOC family members are likely to request BRCA1 testing when available. Rates of test use may be higher in persons of a higher socioeconomic status and those with more relatives affected with breast cancer. For some high-risk individuals who receive test results in a research setting that includes counseling, there may be psychological benefits. More research is needed to assess the generalizability of these results and evaluate the long-term consequences of BRCA1 testing.
Lerman
C
C
Department of Medicine, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Narod
S
S
Schulman
K
K
Hughes
C
C
Gomez-Caminero
A
A
Bonney
G
G
Gold
K
K
Trock
B
B
Main
D
D
Lynch
J
J
Fulmore
C
C
Snyder
C
C
Lemon
S J
SJ
Conway
T
T
Tonin
P
P
Lenoir
G
G
Lynch
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D019313:BRCA1 Protein; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003376:Counseling; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D010052:Ovariectomy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*; D035501:Uncertainty
D019313:BRCA1 Protein; D005819:Genetic Markers; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors