Impact of BRCA1 testing on women with cancer: A pilot study

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 cance r and a family history of cancer. Thirty-five women underwent genetic couns eling 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 t est results were reported to women. A statistically significant decrease in anxiety was evidenced 1 month after results were given (p = 0.024), Decrea sed 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 conclusio n, genetic testing and counseling can occur with little anxiety and stress. However, women less than 1 year from a cancer diagnosis will experience th e greatest distress associated with genetic testing and counseling. Women w ho are considering genetic testing and counseling close to a diagnosis of c ancer may require greater psychological support.