Psychosocial aspects of cancer genetics: Women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer Journal Article
| Authors: | Kash, K. M.; Ortega-Verdejo, K.; Dabney, M. K.; Holland, J. C.; Miller, D. G.; Osborne, M. P. |
| Article Title: | Psychosocial aspects of cancer genetics: Women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer |
| Abstract: | In the past five years the advent of cancer genetic testing has created concern about the negative psychosocial sequelae of genetic counseling and testing. Research indicates that the women most likely to seek genetic testing are anxious about carrying a gene mutation and developing breast cancer. Women who are at high risk have poor knowledge and the expectation of being a gene-mutation carrier. High levels of distress have been shown to interfere with decision-making about genetic testing. Further, individuals who decline genetic testing may be at increased risk for depressive symptoms even more than those who are found to be gene-mutation carriers. There is great concern that inappropriate candidates will seek genetic testing. Improved education and access to genetic counseling are essential to help women make appropriate decisions about genetic testing. Strategies for the prevention of breast and ovarian cancer are explored, and methods to reduce the adverse psychosocial effects of decision-making about genetic testing and preventive treatment strategies are suggested. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
| Keywords: | human tissue; patient satisfaction; major clinical study; cancer risk; ovarian neoplasms; genetic predisposition to disease; cancer prevention; ovary cancer; breast cancer; mastectomy; ovariectomy; incidence; patient education; breast neoplasms; cancer genetics; depression; registries; patient compliance; tamoxifen; anxiety; decision making; genetic screening; stress, psychological; social psychology; genetic counseling; oral contraceptives; neoplasms/psychology; psychological stress; humans; human; female; priority journal; article; brca1 genes; breast neoplasms/diagnosis/genetics/psychology/prevention and control/surgery; mammography/utilization/psychology; ovarian neoplasms/diagnosis/genetics/psychology/prevention and control/surgery |
| Journal Title: | Seminars in Surgical Oncology |
| Volume: | 18 |
| Issue: | 4 |
| ISSN: | 8756-0437 |
| Publisher: | John Wiley & Sons |
| Date Published: | 2000-06-01 |
| Start Page: | 333 |
| End Page: | 338 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1002/(sici)1098-2388(200006)18:4<333::aid-ssu8>3.0.co;2-4 |
| PUBMED: | 10805955 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Export Date: 18 November 2015 -- Source: Scopus |
