Breast Cancer Genetics Services: Psychological Impact Study
Author Information
Author(s): A Fry, A Cull, S Appleton, R Rush, S Holloway, D Gorman, R Cetnarskyj, R Thomas, J Campbell, E Anderson, M Steel, M Porteous, H Campbell
Primary Institution: Cancer Research UK, Edinburgh Oncology Unit
Hypothesis
Does a novel community-based model of breast cancer genetics services provide comparable psychological outcomes to the existing standard regional service?
Conclusion
The novel community-based model of breast cancer genetics services is generally comparable to the existing standard regional service in terms of psychological outcomes experienced by recipients.
Supporting Evidence
- Women at moderate/high risk showed significant improvements in subjective understanding after counseling.
- Overall, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of participants suffering from 'case-level' distress over the study period.
- Participants reported greater subjective understanding of issues related to breast cancer risk after consulting cancer genetics services.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different ways of providing breast cancer genetic counseling affect women's feelings and understanding. Both methods helped women feel better about their cancer risk.
Methodology
A cluster randomised trial comparing a novel community-based service to a standard regional service for breast cancer genetic risk counseling.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to differences in risk assignment methods and accuracy of family history details reported by participants.
Limitations
The study may have participation bias as women who dropped out tended to be in the novel service arm or at low risk of breast cancer.
Participant Demographics
Women referred for breast cancer genetic risk counseling, with a mean age of 37.3 years in the standard service arm and 39.1 years in the novel service arm.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.000
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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