Despite increasing opportunity for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer to undergo genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer susceptibility genes, not all women choose to test. The objective of this study was to examine rates of test use and associated psychosocial variables of women attending a genetic cancer counseling and testing center. Subjects were 85 of 300 women either currently diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, or with a first degree affected relative, and who agreed to participate in a baseline psychological survey. Fifty-six (66%) opted for testing. Women in the age group 26-39 and 51+ years were less likely to opt for testing compared with those 40-50. Of the women with a first degree affected relative (76 of 85), those whose relative was still alive were significantly more likely to undergo testing. For the women who were currently diagnosed with cancer, having children was a significant predictor of testing: no such relationship was found for cancer-free women. As a whole, subjects had high levels of anxiety, with non-Jewish cancer-diagnosed women having the highest scores. Subjects also reported moderate levels of depression, and low levels of vitality, emotional functioning, social functioning, and mental health. Women between the ages of 26-39 had the highest levels of depression and the lowest levels of vitality, social functioning, and emotional functioning. The results suggest that women undergoing genetic counseling and testing are at increased risk for poor mental health. Younger women appear especially emotionally vulnerable during risk assessment.
Learning Objectives: Greater understanding of genetic test use among women at risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and of the psychosocial variables associated with such testing.
Keywords: Genetics, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.