Long-Term Adaptation Among Adolescent and Young Adult Children to Familial Cancer Risk

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Oncology
• Psychology

Background:

• Understanding the long-term psychosocial and behavioral adaptation of adolescent and young adult (AYA) children is crucial following disclosure of maternal BRCA-positive carrier status.
• This research informs familial cancer risk communication, education, and genetic counseling strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the long-term psychosocial and behavioral adaptation of adolescent and young adult (AYA) children to the disclosure of their mother's BRCA-positive carrier status.
• To inform familial cancer risk communication, education, and counseling approaches.

Main Methods:

• A total of 272 AYAs were enrolled, whose mothers had undergone BRCA genetic testing 1 to 5 years prior.
• Group differences in AYAs' self-reported outcomes were analyzed based on maternal health, carrier status, child age, and sex.
• Statistical analyses included bivariate and adjusted models to assess associations.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in AYAs' cancer risk behaviors (tobacco/alcohol use, physical activity) or psychological distress levels based on maternal BRCA status.
• AYAs of mothers with a cancer history perceived themselves at greater risk and possessed more cancer knowledge.
• AYAs of BRCA-positive mothers reported higher cancer concern, stronger beliefs in genetic risk, and greater interest in genetics.

Conclusions:

• Disclosure of maternal BRCA-positive status did not adversely affect AYAs' long-term lifestyle behaviors or quality of life.
• AYAs with BRCA-positive mothers demonstrated increased awareness and interest in genetic risk information.
• Families with maternal BRCA mutations may benefit from enhanced support for open communication regarding genetic testing decisions.