Family Adjustment to Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: A Systematic Review
Pedro Gomes1,2, Giada Pietrabissa3,4, Eunice R Silva1,5
1Cancer Genetics Group, Research Centre of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 15, 2022
Summary
Families adjusting to hereditary cancer syndromes require a family-centered approach. Open communication and shared worries among family members, especially partners and siblings, improve adjustment for pathogenic variant carriers.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hereditary cancer syndromes result from inherited genetic variants, increasing cancer risk.
- Individual adjustment to these syndromes is well-studied, but familial adjustment is less understood.
- Existing research on familial adjustment to hereditary cancer is fragmented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how families adjust to genetic testing and risk management for hereditary cancer.
- To determine the influence of family adjustment on mutation carriers' psychological well-being and risk management.
- To identify gaps in research regarding familial adjustment to hereditary cancer syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across PubMed, PsycInfo, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar.
- Inclusion of 30 studies meeting specific criteria.
- Methodological quality assessment using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT-v2018).
Main Results:
- Family adjustment to hereditary cancer syndromes is interdependent with individual adjustment.
- Family functioning and reactions to genetic information significantly impact carriers' adjustment.
- Open communication within couples improves adjustment, while protective buffering or emotional distancing is detrimental.
- Parents require support in disclosing genetic information to children.
Conclusions:
- A family-centered approach is crucial in genetic counseling for hereditary cancer syndromes.
- Involving family members in research is essential for a comprehensive understanding of adjustment.
- Interventions should address family dynamics and communication to support individuals and families affected by hereditary cancer.
Keywords:
cancer risk managementdecision-makingfamily adjustmentgenetic counselinggenetic testinghereditary cancer syndromesMore Related Videos
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