Abstract
Testing for mutations in hereditary breast/ovarian cancer genes (BRCA1/BRCA2) is appropriate for a limited group of high-risk individuals, such as some breast cancer survivors. It is not known if survivors obtain information regarding genetic testing or whether physicians play a role in the testing decision process. Our objectives were to determine if high-risk survivors speak with physicians and relatives about BRCA genetics, and to determine their knowledge, testing intentions, and preferred information sources. We conducted a population-based cross sectional study in 1/99 at Group Health Cooperative. All 276 female current enrollees initially diagnosed with breast cancer 5-10 years prior to 6/30/98 and 40-49 years old at diagnosis were mailed a survey. Of 217 respondents, 8% spoke with physicians and 53% spoke with relatives. On average, women correctly responded to 2 of 7 true/false questions. Respondents who spoke with physicians had higher knowledge scores than those who did not (p<.001). Respondents preferred written materials (80.6%) and discussions with physicians (79.8%) for BRCA information. In summary, survivors have limited BRCA knowledge, though they are discussing genetics with relatives. Physicians currently give little input regarding BRCA testing, but survivors would consider their involvement helpful.
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Velicer, C., Taplin, S. BRCA genetic testing: where are physicians in the decision process?. Genet Med 2, 99 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1097/00125817-200001000-00174
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00125817-200001000-00174