Mammography behavior after receiving a negative BRCA1 mutation test resultin the Ashkenazim: A community-based study

Purpose: To define the impact of a negative BRCA1 test result on subsequent breast cancer screening behavior in women. Methods: Longitudinal study of a community-based sample of Ashkenazi Jews offered testing for the 185delAG BRCA1 mutation in 1996. Of 309 participants, 118 women were mutation negat ive, of average risk (based on family history of cancer), unaffected with b reast cancer, and provided complete data at baseline, and Year 1 and Year 2 follow-up questionnaires. Results: Women age 50 and older had 91.7% compli ance with mammography for the year prior to entry (baseline), 88.3% during Year 1, 91.7% during Year 2 (no significant change; P = 0.775). Women under age 50 demonstrated an increase in mammography (49.2% at baseline, 62.7% Y ear 1, and 67.1% Year 2; P = 0.035). Both groups demonstrated significant d ecreases in breast cancer worry and perceived risk. Logistic regression ana lysis on having a mammogram at Year 2 showed that age, physician recommenda tion, worry, and perceived risk were all significant. Conclusion: Receipt o f negative BRCA1 test results in a cohort of Ashkenazi Jewish women did not have a negative impact on mammography behavior 2 years after genetic testi ng.