Complementary medicine use before and 1 year following genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutations
Lisa M Digianni1, Montserrat Rue, Karen Emmons
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, SM228, Boston, MA 02115, USA. lisa_digianni@dfci.harvard.edu
Summary
High-risk women undergoing BRCA1/2 genetic testing often start using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) after receiving results. This includes cancer survivors and those without cancer, particularly BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- BRCA1/2 gene mutations significantly increase cancer risk.
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among cancer patients and survivors.
- Understanding behavioral changes in response to genetic risk information is crucial for personalized prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine changes in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among high-risk women.
- To compare CAM adoption from BRCA1/2 testing enrollment to one year post-disclosure.
- To identify factors associated with CAM use in women with hereditary cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 243 high-risk women completed questionnaires at enrollment and 1 year after BRCA1/2 testing results.
- The study assessed the use of ingestible, behavioral, and physical CAM modalities for cancer prevention.
- Multivariable linear regression analyzed correlates of CAM use at the 1-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in CAM use was observed from enrollment to 1 year post-BRCA1/2 results disclosure.
- Women without cancer at enrollment and BRCA1/2 carriers were more likely to initiate CAM use.
- Increased CAM use at 1 year correlated with baseline CAM use, sunscreen use, and BRCA1/2 mutation status.
Conclusions:
- High-risk women frequently adopt new CAM practices after BRCA1/2 counseling and testing.
- BRCA1/2 mutation carriers often initiate CAM use as part of their cancer prevention strategy.
- Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAM for cancer prevention in this population.
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