title: Impact of BRCA1 testing on women with cancer: a pilot study.
abstract: We sought to understand better the impact of genetic testing and counseling in a group of women who had early breast cancer (age <50) or ovarian cancer and a family history of cancer. Thirty-five women underwent genetic counseling and genetic testing for BRCA1/2 at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Hereditary Cancer Clinic. Psychological assessment (IES and Hopkins Symptom Checklist) was made before counseling, and 1 month after genetic test results were reported to women. A statistically significant decrease in anxiety was evidenced 1 month after results were given (p = 0.024). Decreased intrusive thoughts related to genetic testing were seen only for those testing negative (p = 0.0003). Women diagnosed with cancer less than 1 year prior to genetic testing experienced the greatest cancer-specific distress (p = 0.01) and distress related to genetic testing (p = not significant). Satisfaction with the counseling and testing process was high. In conclusion, genetic testing and counseling can occur with little anxiety and stress. However, women less than 1 year from a cancer diagnosis will experience the greatest distress associated with genetic testing and counseling. Women who are considering genetic testing and counseling close to a diagnosis of cancer may require greater psychological support.
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont, Department of Medicine, Burlington 05401, USA. mewood@zoo.uvm.edu
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mullineaux
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Rahm
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fairclough
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wenzel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies