Mental Illness and BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing Intention Among Multiethnic Women Undergoing Screening Mammography

Abstract

Objectives-To examine associations between patient-reported mental illness diagnosis and symptoms and BRCA1/2 genetic testing intention among women undergoing screening mammography. Sample & Setting-100 multiethnic women of lower socioeconomic status who were undergoing mammography screening and met family history criteria for BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Methods & Variables-Descriptive and bivariate nonparametric statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine associations between mental illness and BRCA1/2 genetic testing intention. Variables were anxiety, depression, patient-reported mental illness diagnosis and symptoms, and BRCA1/2 genetic testing intention.

Anxiety and depression among racial/ethnic minorities and impoverished women testing positive for BRCA1/2 mutations in the United States

“…impoverished women. Furthermore, the impact on mental health among BRCA1/2-positive women from racial/ethnic and impoverished groups remains relatively unknown, as past literature has targeted racial/ethnic minority women from one location due to di culty in recruitment [29,30].…”

“…impoverished women. Furthermore, the impact on mental health among BRCA1/2-positive women from racial/ethnic and impoverished groups remains relatively unknown, as past literature has targeted racial/ethnic minority women from one location due to di culty in recruitment [29,30].Objectives. The current study aims to outline the association between race/ethnicity and poverty status and perceived anxiety and depressive symptomologies among BRCA1/2-positive US women to identify high-risk groups of mutation carriers from medically underserved backgrounds.…”

Knowledge and perceptions of BRCA1/2 genetic testing and needs of diverse women with a personal or family history of breast cancer in South Florida

“…With the expansion of multigene panel testing and the uncertainty surrounding genetic testing results, each patient will present with their unique individual psychosocial needs. It is particularly important for NPs to screen high-risk women with mental illness to address anxiety that may be caused by the genetic testing process (Jones et al 2020). NPs are well suited to support women by providing anticipatory guidance throughout the entire genetic testing process and making referral to appropriate specialists based on the identified needs of high-risk women.…”

Stress, anxiety, and health-related quality of life in BRCA1/2-positive women with and without cancer: A comparison of four US female samples

“…Although genetic testing/counseling provides preventive opportunities for risk management, it has been shown to decrease HRQoL in response to increases in anxiety/stress as well as the life-changing nature of what a positive genetic test means for not only the individual but the family unit ( Harmsen et al, 2015 ). Research has demonstrated the importance of understanding HRQoL among BRCA1/2 -positive individuals regarding prophylactic (preventive) decision-making and ongoing surveillance despite increased in-person provider communication and knowledge ( Connors et al, 2014 , Dean, 2016 ) and adverse psychosocial reactions to these genetic testing/counseling and results, surgeries, and surveillance measures ( Bradbury et al, 2007 , Jones et al, 2020 ). Previous research, however, does not examine potential differences among subpopulations of BRCA1/2 -positive samples, such as those with cancer recurrence(s) or those without cancer, due to relatively small sample sizes that have most notably qualitative decision-making and family interactions thus limiting implications assisting medical professionals working directly with these populations ( Donnelly et al, 2013 , Rowland et al, 2016 ).…”