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A randomized controlled intervention to promote readiness to genetic counseling for breast cancer survivors
Author(s) -
Kasting Monica L.,
Conley Claire C.,
Hoogland Aasha I.,
Scherr Courtney L.,
Kim Jongphil,
Thapa Ram,
Reblin Maija,
Meade Cathy D.,
Lee M. Catherine,
Pal Tuya,
Quinn Gwendolyn P.,
Vadaparampil Susan T.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.5059
Subject(s) - psychosocial , medicine , intervention (counseling) , randomized controlled trial , breast cancer , genetic counseling , clinical psychology , physical therapy , cancer , psychiatry , biology , genetics
Abstract Objective Breast cancer (BC) survivors with a genetic mutation are at higher risk for subsequent cancer; knowing genetic risk status could help survivors make decisions about follow‐up screening. Uptake of genetic counseling and testing (GC/GT) to determine BRCA status is low among high risk BC survivors. This study assessed feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a newly developed psychoeducational intervention (PEI) for GC/GT. Methods High risk BC survivors (N = 119) completed a baseline questionnaire and were randomized to the intervention (PEI video/booklet) or control (factsheet) group. Follow‐up questionnaires were completed 2 weeks after baseline (T2), and 4 months after T2 (T3). We analyzed recruitment, retention (feasibility), whether the participant viewed study materials (acceptability), intent to get GC/GT (efficacy), and psychosocial outcomes (eg, perceived risk, Impact of Events Scale [IES]). t tests or chi‐square tests identified differences between intervention groups at baseline. Mixed models examined main effects of group, time, and group‐by‐time interactions. Results Groups were similar on demographic characteristics ( P ≥ .05). Of participants who completed the baseline questionnaire, 91% followed through to study completion and 92% viewed study materials. A higher percentage of participants in the intervention group moved toward GC/GT (28% vs 8%; P = .027). Mixed models demonstrated significant group‐by‐time interactions for perceived risk ( P = .029), IES ( P = .027), and IES avoidance subscale ( P = .012). Conclusions The PEI was feasible, acceptable, and efficacious. Women in the intervention group reported greater intentions to pursue GC, greater perceived risk, and decreased avoidance. Future studies should seek to first identify system‐level barriers and facilitators before aiming to address individual‐level barriers.