Development of a risk assessment tool for women with a family history of breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Innovative technologies that enable the collection of family history information and the assessment of breast cancer risk have a potential to enhance the quality of preventive care. We developed a computerized tool that supports stratification of breast cancer risk, genetic risk assessment in the clinical environment (GRACE).


METHODS
In a preliminary evaluation of the tool's impact, we randomized women with a family history of breast cancer (n=72) to either use the GRACE tool or undergo risk counseling by a nurse specialist.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant differences between the GRACE and nurse counselling groups in risk perceptions (F=.03, P>.05) and cancer-related worries (F=.80, P>.05). However, patients reported more positive attitudes toward working with the nurse.


CONCLUSIONS
It was feasible to use GRACE in a Clinic. Additional research is required to identify solutions for providing emotional support in conjunction with the tool.
Braithwaite
Dejana
D
Carol Franck Buck Breast Care Center, UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, 2186 Geary Boulevard, Suite 103, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. dejana.braithwaite@ucsfmedctr.org
Sutton
Stephen
S
Mackay
James
J
Stein
Judith
J
Emery
Jon
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010375:Pedigree; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012984:Software