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Psychological impact of genetic testing for hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer
Author(s) -
Meiser B,
Collins V,
Warren R,
Gaff C,
St John DJB,
Young MA,
Harrop K,
Brown J,
Halliday J
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
clinical genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.543
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1399-0004
pISSN - 0009-9163
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2004.00339.x
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , anxiety , depression (economics) , genetic testing , cancer , psychiatry , economics , macroeconomics
The psychological impact of predictive genetic testing for hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) was assessed in 114 individuals (32 carriers and 82 non‐carriers) attending familial cancer clinics, using mailed self‐administered questionnaires prior to, 2 weeks, 4 months and 12 months after carrier status disclosure. Compared to baseline, carriers showed a significant increase in mean scores for intrusive and avoidant thoughts about colorectal cancer 2 weeks (t = 2.49; p = 0.014) and a significant decrease in mean depression scores 2 weeks post‐notification of result (t = −3.98; p < 0.001) and 4 months post‐notification of result (t = −3.22; p = 0.002). For non‐carriers, significant decreases in mean scores for intrusive and avoidant thoughts about colorectal cancer were observed at all follow‐up assessment time points relative to baseline. Non‐carriers also showed significant decreases from baseline in mean depression scores 2 weeks, 4 months and 12 months post‐notification. Significant decreases from baseline for mean state anxiety scores were also observed for non‐carriers 2 weeks post‐notification (t = −3.99; p < 0.001). These data indicate that predictive genetic testing for HNPCC leads to psychological benefits amongst non‐carriers, and no adverse psychological outcomes were observed amongst carriers.