Outcomes of Education and Counseling for BRCA1 or BRCA2 Testing

Trial Information

Outcomes of Education and Counseling for BRCA1 or BRCA2 Testing

Women at increased risk for developing breast and/or ovarian cancer and their first degree
relatives will be offered BRCA1/2 gene testing. This study proposes to evaluate
psychological and behavioral aspects of their decision-making and the outcomes of the
testing process. Knowledge and expectations will be assessed initially, followed by
pre-test psychological assessment and an in person education and counseling session.
Participants will be presented the choice of whether or not to undergo BRCA1/2 testing.
Notification of test results will occur in person along with discussion of available
surveillance options. Telephone interviews will assess psychological and behavioral outcome
measures at 6 and/or twelve month time points. Aspects of this research endeavor have been
designed to complement an NHGRI/NCI extramural consortium and an NHGRI/NCI intramural
collaboration both of which will address various aspects of risk notification and follow-up
for hereditary breast, ovarian and colon cancer.