BRCA mutation carriers’ perceptions on postmenopausal hormone therapy: An Italian study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the actual perceptions of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) in BRCA mutation carriers (BRCAmc) in comparison with women from the general population. Methods: Questionnaire-based study of 83 BRCAmc and a control group of 89 women without a genetic mutation. Perceptions were evaluated by specific questions and Likert scales (−5-+5).Results: Present and past users of HT were more frequent in the control group (p = 0.01), with a longer time of use (p = 0.03). The preferred route of administration of HT was 'oral' (54.6%). The most frequently reported adverse effect of HT was venous thrombosis (0.8), while a protective effect on bone health was reported. No noticeable beneficial effects of HT have been recognised for hot flushes (0.2) and vaginal dryness (0.1). The most frequently perceived beneficial and adverse effects of HT were not significantly different between BRCA mutation carriers and controls. The greatest oncological fear was breast cancer (1.0). The protective role of HT on colorectal cancer was not known (0.1). These oncological impacts were mostly overestimated in BRCAmc, however this was not significant. Few BRCAmc would think of taking HT after risk-reducing surgeries.Conclusions: Knowledge of the effects of HT on BRCAmc is relatively poor and they are likely to overstate its negative effects and underestimate its health benefits; however, this is not significant in comparison to the general population. More and better information should be given to BRCAmc to allow them to make informed decisions about the use of HT, especially before undergoing risk-reducing surgeries.

Perception about benefits and risks related to combined hormonal contraceptives use in women with Lynch syndrome

“…Nevertheless, in daily practice, myths and taboos regarding side effects and long-term consequences of CHC use on women’s health need to be fully addressed also in the general population [ 12 ]. The awareness of the effects of hormonal therapies in women at high risk of developing endometrial cancer, colorectal, or ovarian cancer, such as those affected by LS, is even more limited, with few published studies addressing the perception about benefits and risks related to CHCs only in BRCA pathogenic variant carriers [ 13 , 14 ]. Understanding women’s preferences and their unique perspectives is crucial for tailoring effective counselling and support strategies [ 15 ].…”