A literature review of the psychological impact of genetic testing on breast cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
Easier access and increased awareness results in more referral for genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer in healthy at-risk women and breast cancer patients. To investigate the psychological impact of genetic testing on breast cancer patients, literature pertaining to this group was reviewed.


METHODS
Medline and PsychInfo databases were searched over the period 1995-2004 for studies aimed at breast cancer patients referred for genetic testing. Qualitative and quantitative psychological outcome measures were identified.


RESULTS
Eight papers were identified focusing on women affected by breast cancer and undergoing genetic counseling and DNA testing.


CONCLUSIONS
Genetic testing does not lead to an increase in psychological distress in breast cancer patients. However, a recent breast cancer diagnosis adds to general and cancer-specific distress prior to genetic counseling and after DNA test disclosure.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians need to be aware of possible high psychological distress and additional counseling needs of recently diagnosed breast cancer patients taking part in genetic testing. Further research should focus on patients who decline genetic counseling or receive an inconclusive test result, including age upon and time since diagnosis.
Schlich-Bakker
Kathryn J
KJ
Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. K.J.Schlich@med.uu.nl
ten Kroode
Herman F J
HF
Ausems
Margreet G E M
MG
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000523:psychology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors