Marta D'Alonzo1, Eleonora Piva2, Silvia Pecchio1, Viola Liberale1, Paola Modaffari1, Riccardo Ponzone3, Nicoletta Biglia4. 1. Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Umberto I Hospital, University of Turin, Italy. 2. Gynaecology and Obstetrics I, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Italy. 3. Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy. 4. Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Umberto I Hospital, University of Turin, Italy. Electronic address: nicoletta.biglia@unito.it.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: BRCA 1 and 2 mutation carriers are invited to follow intensive clinical and instrumental surveillance programs or are offered prophylactic breast and ovarian surgery. These recommendations impact many aspects of their life. This study aims to evaluate the satisfaction with surveillance and prophylactic surgery and the impact of these procedures on the quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 174 BRCA1-2 mutation carriers. RESULTS: A total of 95% of women comply with the scheduled checks every 6 months. Periodic examinations are considered useful for early diagnosis of breast/ovarian cancer by 91.5% of responders. Among those women who received prophylactic breast surgery, 95% believe that this procedure can reduce cancer risk, but only 65% were completely satisfied by the cosmetic outcome. Among women who underwent prophylactic ovarian surgery, 90.5% would choose it again, mainly owing to a lower degree of concern about ovarian cancer risk. The early onset of menopausal symptoms was the most frequently reported side effects, but only 21% of patients use any treatment to relieve them. CONCLUSION: Women who follow a surveillance program show a good level of satisfaction, thanks to the lowering of concerns of cancer risk. The degree of satisfaction about the prophylactic surgery is generally high. Risk-reducing mastectomy is usually well-accepted, despite the fact that cosmetic results are not entirely satisfactory. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may impact on quality of life because of the symptoms associated with early surgical menopause, even if it can be treated with hormonal replacement therapies.
INTRODUCTION:BRCA 1 and 2 mutation carriers are invited to follow intensive clinical and instrumental surveillance programs or are offered prophylactic breast and ovarian surgery. These recommendations impact many aspects of their life. This study aims to evaluate the satisfaction with surveillance and prophylactic surgery and the impact of these procedures on the quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 174 BRCA1-2 mutation carriers. RESULTS: A total of 95% of women comply with the scheduled checks every 6 months. Periodic examinations are considered useful for early diagnosis of breast/ovarian cancer by 91.5% of responders. Among those women who received prophylactic breast surgery, 95% believe that this procedure can reduce cancer risk, but only 65% were completely satisfied by the cosmetic outcome. Among women who underwent prophylactic ovarian surgery, 90.5% would choose it again, mainly owing to a lower degree of concern about ovarian cancer risk. The early onset of menopausal symptoms was the most frequently reported side effects, but only 21% of patients use any treatment to relieve them. CONCLUSION:Women who follow a surveillance program show a good level of satisfaction, thanks to the lowering of concerns of cancer risk. The degree of satisfaction about the prophylactic surgery is generally high. Risk-reducing mastectomy is usually well-accepted, despite the fact that cosmetic results are not entirely satisfactory. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may impact on quality of life because of the symptoms associated with early surgical menopause, even if it can be treated with hormonal replacement therapies.
Authors: Stefano Restaino; Angelo Finelli; Giulia Pellecchia; Anna Biasioli; Jessica Mauro; Carlo Ronsini; Monica Della Martina; Martina Arcieri; Luigi Della Corte; Felice Sorrentino; Lorenza Driul; Giuseppe Vizzielli Journal: Medicina (Kaunas) Date: 2022-07-17 Impact factor: 2.948