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Dibble KE, K. M. Donorfio L, Britner PA, Bellizzi KM. Perceptions and Care Recommendations from Previvors: Qualitative Analysis of Female BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers’ Experience with Genetic Testing and Counseling. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2022; 41:100989. [PMID: 35540028 PMCID: PMC9079684 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2022.100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BRCA1/2-positive women listed negative and positive aspects of testing/counseling. A wide range of emotions concerning healthcare experiences existed post-testing. Improved patient-oriented care and communication was recommended.
Introduction It is estimated that 12.5% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1.10% with ovarian cancer during their lifetime. Although less common, women with these mutations have a 11–72% increased risk of breast/ovarian cancers and are hereditary. Genetic testing/counseling presents the opportunity to identify carriers of BRCA1/2 genetic mutations before a cancer diagnosis. Methods Thirty-four BRCA1/2-positive women (with and without histories of breast/ovarian cancers) were recruited through online national support groups to gain a better understanding of their genetic testing/counseling perceptions and experiences. After confirming eligibility, they were invited to participate in either a telephone or webcam interview. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative thematic text analysis and descriptive coding techniques. Results Six major themes emerged, capturing the perceptions and experiences of genetic testing/counseling for these women: 1) Emotional Reactions to Results and Genetic Counseling, 2) Future Recommendations, 3) Family Solidarity and Support, 4) Experiences with the Healthcare System, 5) Preventive Concerns and Decisions, and 6) Sources Affecting Perceived Risk. Two subthemes also emerged within the first theme, which are termed “Pre-vivor,” and “Testing Intuition.” Conclusions Participants indicated that genetic testing/counseling improvements would be helpful for women in this population surrounding quality care, including sensitivity training for healthcare professionals involved in testing/counseling, additional educational resources, and increased emotional and financial support. Although these recommendations may be beneficial, more widespread research with greater generalizability to disparate groups may be necessary prior to implementation.
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Bertonazzi B, Turchetti D, Godino L. Outcomes of support groups for carriers of BRCA 1/2 pathogenic variants and their relatives: a systematic review. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:398-405. [PMID: 35082397 PMCID: PMC8989997 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
People tested positive for BRCA1/2 face an increased risk of cancer; to help them cope with the genetic information received, support to BRCA1/2 families should be continued after testing. Nonetheless how such support should be provided has not been established yet. As a potentially valuable option is represented by support groups, the aim of this systematic review was to assess studies exploring the outcomes of support groups for BRCA1/2 carriers. This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42021238416). Peer-reviewed papers published between January 1995 and February 2021 were searched for, using four databases. Among 1586 records identified, 34 papers were reviewed in full-text and eleven were included in the qualitative synthesis of the results. Three themes emerged as major focuses of support groups: risk management decisions, family dynamics and risk communication, and psychosocial functioning. Our findings show that support groups proved helpful in supporting women's decision-making on risk-reducing options. Moreover, during those interventions, BRCA1/2 carriers had the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings, and felt that mutual support through interacting with other mutation carriers help them release the emotional pressure. However, no significant impact was reported in improving family communication. Overall, a high level of satisfaction and perceived helpfulness was reported for support group. The findings suggest that support groups represent a valuable tool for improving BRCA1/2 families care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Bertonazzi
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Turchetti
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- Centro di Ricerca sui Tumori Ereditari, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Lea Godino
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca sui Tumori Ereditari, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Boghosian T, McCuaig JM, Carlsson L, Metcalfe KA. Psychosocial Interventions for Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071486. [PMID: 33804884 PMCID: PMC8037801 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are at an increased risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. While genetic counselling by genetic counsellors takes place before and after receiving the results of genetic testing, genetic counsellors are not involved in the patient’s long-term psychosocial follow-up. Genetic testing can cause short-term and long-term distress in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, and follow-up supports may be necessary for some women. As the uptake of genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer increases, the need for additional sources of support may be needed. This review examined the effectiveness of psychological and psychoeducational interventions for BRCA mutation carriers. Abstract This scoping review aimed to explore the effectiveness of psychological and psychoeducational interventions for BRCA mutation carriers. Four electronic bibliographic databases were searched. After review, 23 articles that described or assessed forms of an additional psychosocial intervention for individuals with a BRCA mutation were identified and included. Intervention types discussed in the articles were telephone-based peer-to-peer counselling (5), online communities (4), in-person group counselling (8), and one-day sessions (6). Outcomes investigated within the articles included psychosocial outcomes (18), satisfaction (8), health behaviours (7), and knowledge (5). The included studies suggested that telephone-based peer-to-peer counselling and online communities improve patient knowledge and psychosocial functioning and can overcome challenges such as scheduling and travel associated with in-person support groups, but may have challenges with recruitment and retainment of participants. Group in-person education sessions satisfied the need amongst BRCA1/2 carriers in terms of accessing necessary information regarding cancer risk assessment and management; however, the impact of group education sessions on psychological outcomes was variable across the included studies. Overall, all the forms of intervention described in this scoping review were well-received by participants; some have been shown to reduce distress, depression, and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talin Boghosian
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8, Canada;
| | - Jeanna M. McCuaig
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada; (J.M.M.); (L.C.)
- Familial Cancer Clinic, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada
| | - Lindsay Carlsson
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada; (J.M.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Kelly A. Metcalfe
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8, Canada;
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada; (J.M.M.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Gaba F, Goyal S, Marks D, Chandrasekaran D, Evans O, Robbani S, Tyson C, Legood R, Saridogan E, McCluggage WG, Hanson H, Singh N, Evans DG, Menon U, Manchanda R. Surgical decision making in premenopausal BRCA carriers considering risk-reducing early salpingectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy: a qualitative study. J Med Genet 2021; 59:122-132. [PMID: 33568437 PMCID: PMC8788252 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2020-107501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acceptance of the role of the fallopian tube in 'ovarian' carcinogenesis and the detrimental sequelae of surgical menopause in premenopausal women following risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) has resulted in risk-reducing early-salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy (RRESDO) being proposed as an attractive alternative risk-reducing strategy in women who decline/delay oophorectomy. We present the results of a qualitative study evaluating the decision-making process among BRCA carriers considering prophylactic surgeries (RRSO/RRESDO) as part of the multicentre PROTECTOR trial (ISRCTN:25173360). METHODS In-depth semistructured 1:1 interviews conducted using a predeveloped topic-guide (development informed by literature review and expert consultation) until informational saturation reached. Wording and sequencing of questions were left open with probes used to elicit additional information. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, transcripts analysed using an inductive theoretical framework and data managed using NVIVO-v12. RESULTS Informational saturation was reached following 24 interviews. Seven interconnected themes integral to surgical decision making were identified: fertility/menopause/cancer risk reduction/surgical choices/surgical complications/sequence of ovarian-and-breast prophylactic surgeries/support/satisfaction. Women for whom maximising ovarian cancer risk reduction was relatively more important than early menopause/quality-of-life preferred RRSO, whereas those more concerned about detrimental impact of menopause chose RRESDO. Women managed in specialist familial cancer clinic settings compared with non-specialist settings felt they received better quality care, improved hormone replacement therapy access and were more satisfied. CONCLUSION Multiple contextual factors (medical, physical, psychological, social) influence timing of risk-reducing surgeries. RRESDO offers women delaying/declining premenopausal oophorectomy, particularly those concerned about menopausal effects, a degree of ovarian cancer risk reduction while avoiding early menopause. Care of high-risk women should be centralised to centres with specialist familial gynaecological cancer risk management services to provide a better-quality, streamlined, holistic multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Gaba
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts CRUK Centre, Queen Mary University of London-Charterhouse Square Campus, London, UK.,Gynaecological Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Shivam Goyal
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Dalya Marks
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Dhivya Chandrasekaran
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts CRUK Centre, Queen Mary University of London-Charterhouse Square Campus, London, UK.,Gynaecological Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Olivia Evans
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts CRUK Centre, Queen Mary University of London-Charterhouse Square Campus, London, UK.,Gynaecological Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sadiyah Robbani
- Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine, Barts CRUK Cancer Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Tyson
- Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine, Barts CRUK Cancer Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Rosa Legood
- Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ertan Saridogan
- Department of Gynaecology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - W Glenn McCluggage
- Department of Pathology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Helen Hanson
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Service, South West Thames Regional Genetic Services, London, UK
| | - Naveena Singh
- Department of Pathology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Usha Menon
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ranjit Manchanda
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK .,Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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Lewis KE, Lu KH, Klimczak AM, Mok SC. Recommendations and Choices for BRCA Mutation Carriers at Risk for Ovarian Cancer: A Complicated Decision. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10020057. [PMID: 29466291 PMCID: PMC5836089 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10020057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current ovarian cancer screening guidelines in high-risk women vary according to different organizations. Risk reducing surgery remains the gold standard for definitive treatment in BRCA mutation carriers, but research advancements have created more short-term options for patients to consider. The decisions involved in how a woman manages her BRCA mutation status can cause a great deal of stress and worry due to the imperfect therapy options. The goal of this review was to critically analyze the screening recommendations and alternative options for high-risk ovarian cancer patients and evaluate how these discrepancies and choices affect a woman’s management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Karen H Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Amber M Klimczak
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Samuel C Mok
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Perspectives of Women Considering Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and their Peers towards a Telephone-Based Peer Support Intervention. J Genet Couns 2017; 27:274-288. [PMID: 28916957 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-017-0148-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Prophylactic mastectomy is an effective strategy to reduce the risk of breast cancer for women carrying a BRCA1/2 germline mutation. This decision is complex and may raise various concerns. Women considering this surgery have reported their desire to discuss the implications of this procedure with women who have undergone prophylactic mastectomy. We conducted a qualitative study to describe the topics covered during a telephone-based peer support intervention between women considering prophylactic mastectomy (recipients) and women who had undergone this surgery (peers), and to explore their perspectives regarding the intervention. Thirteen dyads were formed and data from participant logbooks and evaluation questionnaires were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. Three main dimensions emerged: physical, psychological, and social. The most frequent topics discussed were: surgery (92%), recovery (77%), pain and physical comfort (69%), impacts on intimacy and sexuality (54%), cancer-related anxiety (54%), experience related to loss of breasts (46%). Peers and recipients report that sharing experiences and thoughts about prophylactic mastectomy and the sense of mutual support within the dyad contributed significantly to their satisfaction. Special attention should be paid to the similarities between personal and medical profiles in order to create harmonious matches.
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Seo H, Yi M. A Study on Genetic Knowledge and Anxiety in Patients with Breast Cancer. ASIAN ONCOLOGY NURSING 2017. [DOI: 10.5388/aon.2017.17.3.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeyeon Seo
- Graduate School of Nursing, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myungsun Yi
- College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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