title: A supportive-expressive group intervention for women with a family history of breast cancer: results of a phase II study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Evidence suggests that there are significant psychological and behavioural sequelae associated with having a family history of breast cancer (BC) which can interfere with comprehension of risk estimates.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to develop, standardize and do preliminary testing of a group intervention designed to address the emotional impact of having a family history of BC.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a single-arm pilot design with pre- and post-measures of perceived risk, psychosocial distress, knowledge and screening practices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The primary study outcome measure of risk comprehension was significantly improved by 70%, according to our predetermined criteria for success. In addition, the most important secondary measures of psychosocial functioning, such as cancer-related distress (p=0.025), depression (p=0.05), anxiety (p=0.005) and unresolved grief (p=0.034) were significantly improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this initial pilot study are encouraging; however, further research is required, using a randomized controlled study design to evaluate the relative contribution of this intervention to the successful modification of risk comprehension, enhanced psychological functioning, and to promote optimal screening adherence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. mesplen@mtsinai.on.ca
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Esplen
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Toner
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Glendon
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Liede
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Narod
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stuckless
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Field
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires