OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of breast cancer genetic counseling in women with and without breast cancer. METHODS: Seventy-seven first-time attendees (n=44 affected) completed questionnaires assessing cognitions (risk accuracy, knowledge, perceived personal control [PPC]) and distress (state anxiety [STAI], cancer-related stress reactions [IES]) from immediately before to immediately and six months after completing counseling. Data were analyzed using multilevel repeated measures and trend analyses. RESULTS: In affected counselees, mean cognitions did not significantly differ over time, anxiety significantly decreased, and IES levels were increased immediately post-counseling. In unaffected counselees, cognitions significantly improved over time except for knowledge. Distress levels showed similar patterns as in affected women. Improvements in cognitions and distress were significantly smaller in affected versus unaffected women. CONCLUSION: Overall, counseling educates women about breast cancer risk and alleviates their anxiety. Importantly, benefits gained at immediate follow-up seem maintained over time. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Affected women seem to benefit less from counseling. Counselors may need to devote more effort into educating these women and addressing their anxieties. Future studies should confirm the unexpected finding that cancer-related distress increased immediately post-counseling.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of breast cancer genetic counseling in women with and without breast cancer. METHODS: Seventy-seven first-time attendees (n=44 affected) completed questionnaires assessing cognitions (risk accuracy, knowledge, perceived personal control [PPC]) and distress (state anxiety [STAI], cancer-related stress reactions [IES]) from immediately before to immediately and six months after completing counseling. Data were analyzed using multilevel repeated measures and trend analyses. RESULTS: In affected counselees, mean cognitions did not significantly differ over time, anxiety significantly decreased, and IES levels were increased immediately post-counseling. In unaffected counselees, cognitions significantly improved over time except for knowledge. Distress levels showed similar patterns as in affected women. Improvements in cognitions and distress were significantly smaller in affected versus unaffected women. CONCLUSION: Overall, counseling educates women about breast cancer risk and alleviates their anxiety. Importantly, benefits gained at immediate follow-up seem maintained over time. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Affected women seem to benefit less from counseling. Counselors may need to devote more effort into educating these women and addressing their anxieties. Future studies should confirm the unexpected finding that cancer-related distress increased immediately post-counseling.
Authors: Lisa Madlensky; Angela M Trepanier; Deborah Cragun; Barbara Lerner; Kristen M Shannon; Heather Zierhut Journal: J Genet Couns Date: 2017-02-06 Impact factor: 2.537
Authors: Akke Albada; Julie Werrett; Sandra Van Dulmen; Jozien M Bensing; Cyril Chapman; Margreet G E M Ausems; Alison Metcalfe Journal: J Community Genet Date: 2011-08-18
Authors: Erin E Baldwin; Patrick Boudreault; Michelle Fox; Janet S Sinsheimer; Christina G S Palmer Journal: J Genet Couns Date: 2011-08-05 Impact factor: 2.537