Wevers, M.R., Ausems, M.G., Verhoef, S., Bleiker, E.M., Hahn, D.E., Brouwer, T., . . . Aaronson, N.K. (2015). Does rapid genetic counseling and testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients cause additional psychosocial distress? Results from a randomized clinical trial. Genetics in Medicine, 18, 137–144.
To assess the psychosocial impact of rapid genetic testing and counseling among women with newly diagnosed breast cancer
Patients were randomly assigned to rapid genetic counseling and testing (RGTC) or usual care control groups. Those in the RGTC group were offered an appointment with a clinical geneticist within five working days, and rapid DNA testing with results were provided within about four weeks. Participants complete study measures at baseline, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.
PHASE OF CARE: Diagnostic
Ninety-six percent of those in the experimental group had genetic counseling consultation, and 33% had DNA testing prior to surgery. In the usual care group, 71% had genetic counseling and 62% had DNA testing, 10% prior to surgery. There were no differences between groups in worries, anxiety, depression, quality of life (QOL), decisional conflict, or satisfaction with decision-making. In both groups, worries and measures of psychosocial distress declined over time.
Findings did not show that offering rapid genetic counseling and testing had any effect on QOL, anxiety, or depression among individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer.