Psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling and testing.
OBJECTIVE
To highlight areas where persons who undergo BRCA1/2 mutation testing may benefit from psychosocial or behavioral support and intervention.


METHODS
Published scientific literature, cal, and research experiences.


CONCLUSIONS
Key psychosocial areas that deserve attention by clinicians and researchers include: indeterminate or inconclusive test results, selection of risk management strategies in unaffected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, and genetic testing in minority communities.


CONCLUSIONS
By addressing the psychosocial issues faced by patients undergoing genetic testing for cancer, nurses have the potential to maximize opportunities for prevention, early detection, and healthy coping.
Vadaparampil
Susan Thomas
ST
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Tampa, FL, USA.
Wey
Jennifer Permuth
JP
Kinney
Anita Yeomans
AY
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000523:psychology; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000592:standards; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors