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Psycho‐social aspects of breast cancer susceptibility testing: a literature review
Author(s) -
Anne Brédart,
Philippe Autier,
Riccardo A. Audisio,
J Geragthy
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2354.1998.00094.x
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , genetic testing , population , cancer , health care , environmental health , economics , economic growth
An important demand for breast cancer susceptibility (BRCA) testing is anticipated not only in women at high risk of breast cancer but also in the general population. However, the benefits of this new technology may be substantially counterbalanced by the risks and limitations associated with it. BRCA testing offers the potential for early detection of breast cancer; however, it may lead to psycho‐socially harmful consequences. Both carriers and non‐carriers of a BRCA mutation may face tremendous emotional upheaval which may adversely impact on subsequent attitudes towards health care. This paper points to the need for empirical studies examining the psycho‐social aspects of BRCA testing. These studies should be undertaken cross‐culturally in order to take into account the variations due to different health care systems and cultural background on psycho‐social correlates of cancer genetic testing.