Dibble KE, Donorfio LK, Britner PA, Bellizzi KM. Stress, anxiety, and health-related quality of life in BRCA1/2-positive women with and without cancer: A comparison of four US female samples.
Gynecol Oncol Rep 2022;
42:101033. [PMID:
35769888 PMCID:
PMC9234251 DOI:
10.1016/j.gore.2022.101033]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and stress were significantly worse in BRCA1/2-positive women compared to comparable US female samples.
All health-related quality of life domains were better in BRCA1/2-positive women except energy/vitality, which was lower.
Patient-provider training and mental health referrals are needed to lessen psychosocial consequences of genetic testing.
Introduction
Women with BRCA1/2 mutations have a 11–72% increased risk of breast/ovarian cancers throughout their lifetime. The current study examines psychosocial differences between the current sample of BRCA1/2-positive women with and without cancer histories and three comparable United States (US) female samples without BRCA1/2 mutations.
Methods
Sixty BRCA1/2-positive women (with and without cancer histories) were recruited through multiple private online support groups in the US. Participants completed an online survey outlining sociodemographic and genetic counseling information, and anxiety, stress, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. Outcomes were compared to three similar US female normative samples via independent samples t-test analyses.
Results
State and trait anxiety (p = 0.00) and stress (p = 0.001) were significantly worse in the current sample of BRCA1/2-positive women compared comparable US female samples. All HRQoL domains were significantly better in the current sample except energy/vitality, which was significantly lower (p = 0.02) in the current sample. Results were stratified by cancer and recurrence status.
Conclusions
This study provides insight into how a sample of BRCA1/2-positive women both with and without cancer fare post-genetic counseling as compared to three normative female populations. Results infer the need for additional education, patient-provider training, and mental health referrals to support this population in order to circumvent unintended consequences and to improve psychosocial health in those being tested for, and those who test positive for, BRCA1/2 genetic mutations.
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