Coping with genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility
Angela Liegey Dougall1, Ashley W Smith, Tamara J Somers
1University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Psychosomatic Medicine
|January 7, 2009
Summary
Women considering genetic testing for breast cancer risk primarily used stable coping strategies. Active coping was more common in those with a personal cancer history, while avoidant coping correlated with increased distress over time.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Psychology
- Oncology
Background:
- Genetic testing for cancer susceptibility is increasingly common.
- Understanding women's psychological responses to genetic testing is crucial for supportive care.
- Heightened breast cancer susceptibility presents unique challenges for individuals and families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate coping mechanisms employed by women undergoing genetic testing for breast cancer risk.
- To assess the relationship between coping strategies, distress, and personal/family cancer history.
- To identify factors influencing psychological adjustment to genetic testing results.
Main Methods:
- 126 women at high risk for breast cancer were assessed for distress and coping before and after genetic testing.
- Distress was measured using multiple validated scales over four time points.
- Coping strategies were evaluated using the Brief COPE inventory.
Main Results:
- Coping strategies remained stable throughout the study and were not influenced by genetic test outcomes.
- Women with a personal history of cancer utilized active coping more frequently.
- Avoidant coping strategies were consistently linked to higher distress levels, irrespective of cancer history or test results.
Conclusions:
- Coping styles significantly influence distress levels in women undergoing genetic testing for breast cancer.
- Identifying maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as avoidant strategies, can help predict psychological distress.
- Findings support the development of targeted interventions to enhance coping and mitigate distress in this population.
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