Impact of Genetic Counseling on Attitudes Towards Preventive Surgery in BRCA Mutation Carriers
Author Information
Author(s): Wagner T M U, Möslinger R, Langbauer G, Ahner R, Fleischmann E, Auterith A, Friedmann A, Helbich T, Zielinski C, Pittermann E, Seifert M, Oefner P
Primary Institution: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Clinical Experimental Oncology, General Hospital, University of Vienna
Hypothesis
Does awareness of being a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carrier affect attitudes towards prophylactic surgery and depression symptoms?
Conclusion
Awareness of carrier status does not increase depression symptoms in mutation carriers, but non-carriers may experience increased depression.
Supporting Evidence
- 21% of mutation carriers considered prophylactic mastectomy.
- 50% of participants would undergo prophylactic oophorectomy.
- Depression scores for mutation carriers decreased after result disclosure.
- Depression scores for non-carriers increased after result disclosure.
Takeaway
The study looked at how knowing you have a gene that can cause cancer affects your feelings about surgery to prevent it and your mood. Most people didn't want the surgery because they thought it would make them unhappy.
Methodology
Questionnaires were given to family members of previously detected BRCA1 or 2 mutation carriers.
Potential Biases
Potential survivor guilt may affect the responses of non-carriers.
Limitations
The study may not represent all mutation carriers as it was limited to Austrian families.
Participant Demographics
Families with previously detected BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in Austria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.3 for carriers, 0.05 for non-carriers
Statistical Significance
p=0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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