Are young women ready for BRCA testing? Comparing attitudes and comprehension of two age groups of healthy Italian women

Need for specially designed educational support groups: Young women's experiences of being identified with BRCA pathogenic variants

In Norway, genetic testing is permitted from the age of 16, and females identified with pathogenic variants in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (BRCA PVs) can manage their cancer risk through screening programs and/or by undergoing risk-reducing surgery from the age of 25 years'. This qualitative study aimed to explore and describe how women under the age of 25 years' experience the genetic counseling and testing process for BRCA PVs and living with an increased cancer risk. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with five women with BRCA PVs. Thematic cross-case data analysis with systematic text condensation was used. Three main themes were identified: (1) experience with genetic counseling and testing, (2) impact of pathogenic variants on participants' future, and (3) social and psychological support needs. Women perceive genetic counseling as a source of information and care. The decision for genetic testing was made autonomously, both in line with and conflicting with the parents' wishes. Living with genetic risk adds a layer of worry and pressure regarding future decisions. Many experienced loneliness owing to a lack of contact with other young women with BRCA PVs. The results of this study indicate the need for better support after genetic testing, such as the need for educational support groups specially designed for these young women and a meeting place with their peers. Genetic counselors need to emphasize the opportunity for follow-up counseling and give assistance to choose suitable psychologists.

Misinterpretation of Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk and Its Association with Information Sharing Motives among Women at Low Likelihood of Carrying a BRCA1/2 Mutation

PURPOSE

In this brief report, we ask whether women's interpretation of breast cancer risk based on their low likelihood of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation is associated with their information-sharing behavior, and whether misinterpretation is associated with motives for sharing the result.

METHODS

Women in mammography clinics who completed a brief family history assessment and deemed to be at low likelihood of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation were asked to complete a 1-time online survey between June 2016 and January 2017.

RESULTS

One-third (44/148) of women shared their family history screen result with someone in their social network. Result information was shared largely with a first-degree female relative to express feelings of relief (77%, 33/43). There were no differences in likelihood of sharing based on breast cancer risk interpretation. However, women who misinterpreted the implications of the result for general breast cancer risk reported more motives to share the result with their social network than those who accurately interpreted their breast cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

As family history-based screening for hereditary breast cancer is broadly implemented, the communication needs of the majority of women who will be unlikely of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation must be considered. The motives of women who misinterpreted the implications of this result for breast cancer risk suggest the possibility that miscommunication could be spread to the broader family network.