A follow-up study on men tested for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations: impacts and coping processes
Shoshana Shiloh1, Efrat Dagan, Irit Friedman
1Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. shoshi@freud.tau.ac.il
Psycho-Oncology
|December 3, 2011
Summary
Men who carry BRCA mutations experience increased cancer risk perception and surveillance after genetic testing. This highlights the need to address specific concerns for men undergoing genetic counseling for hereditary cancer syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Psychology
- Oncology
Background:
- Germline mutations in breast/ovarian cancer-associated genes (BRCA1/BRCA2) are significant risk factors.
- Genetic testing for BRCA mutations in men is increasingly common.
- Understanding the psychological and behavioral impacts of testing in men is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects of BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing in men.
- To compare outcomes between male mutation carriers and non-carriers.
- To assess long-term impacts of genetic testing up to 4 years post-disclosure.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing 51 BRCA mutation carriers with 30 non-carriers.
- Telephone interviews conducted a median of 4 years after genetic test result disclosure.
- Standardized questionnaires measured distress, risk perception, behavioral changes, and cancer perceptions.
Main Results:
- 48% of carriers reported increased risk perception; 74% increased cancer surveillance.
- Non-carriers reported minimal increase in perceived risk (0%) and surveillance (31%).
- Carriers experienced more distress, viewing breast cancer as less consequential and more treatable than non-carriers.
Conclusions:
- Illness representations are influenced by fear-arousing health information, impacting risk perception.
- Perceived risk directly influences health behaviors, such as increased surveillance.
- Men tested for BRCA mutations have unique concerns requiring tailored attention in genetic counseling.
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