Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Risk Perception and Psychological Distress in Genetic Counselling for Hereditary Breast and/or Ovarian Cancer

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

Oncological Genetic Counselling (CGO) allows the identification of a genetic component that increases the risk of developing a cancer. Individuals’ psychological reactions are influenced by both the content of the received information and the subjective perception of their own risk of becoming ill or being a carrier of a genetic mutation. This study included 120 participants who underwent genetic counselling for breast and/or ovarian cancer. The aim of the study was to examine the relation between their cancer risk perception and the genetic risk during CGO before receiving genetic test results, considering the influence of some psychological variables, in particular distress, anxiety and depression. Participants completed the following tools during a psychological interview: a socio-demographic form, Cancer Risk Perception (CRP) and Genetic Risk Perception (GRP), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Distress Thermometer (DT). The data seem to confirm our hypothesis. Positive and significant correlations were found between the observed variables. Moreover, genetic risk perception determined an increase in depressive symptomatology and cancer risk perception led to an increase in anxious symptomatology, specifically in participants during cancer treatment. The present results suggest the importance of assessing genetic and cancer risk perception in individuals who undergo CGO, to identify those who are at risk of a decrease in psychological well-being and of developing greater psychological distress.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Borreani, C., Manoukian, S., Bianchi, E., Brunelli, C., Peissel, B., Caruso, A., et al. (2014). The psychological impact of breast and ovarian cancer preventive option in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Clinical Genetics, 85, 7–15.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Braithwaite, D., Emery, J., Walter, F., Prevost, A. T., & Sutton, S. (2006). Psychological impact of genetic counseling for familial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Familial Cancer, 5(1), 61–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cabrera, E., Blanco, I., Yagu, C., & Zabalegui, A. (2010). The impact of genetic counseling on knowledge and emotional responses in Spanish population with family history of breast cancer. Patient Education and Counseling, 78, 382–388.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Catania, C., Feroce, I., Barile, M., Goldhirsch, A., De Pas, T., de Braud, F., et al. (2016). Improved health perception after genetic counselling for women at risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer: construction of new questionnaires -an Italian exploratory study. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 142(3), 633–648.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Christie, J., Quinn G.P., Malo T., Lee, J. H., Zhao, X., Mclntyre, J. et al. (2012). Cognitive and psychological impact of BRCA genetic counseling in before and after definitive surgery breast cancer patients. Annals of Surgical Oncology; 19:(13), 4003–4011.

  • Claes, E., Evers-Kiebooms, G., Denayer, L., Decruyenaere, M., Boogaerts, A., Philippe, K., et al. (2005). Predictive genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: psychological distress and illness representations 1 year following disclosure. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 14(5), 349–363.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Contegiacomo, A., Pensabene, M., Capuano, I., Tauchmanova, L., Federico, M., Turchetti, D., et al. (2004). An oncologist-based model of cancer genetic counselling for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Annals of Oncology, 15, 726–732.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Costantini, M., Musso, M., Viterbori, P., Bonci, F., Del Mastro, L., Garrone, O., et al. (1999). Detecting psychological distress in cancer patients: validity of the Italian version of the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Support Care Cancer, 7, 121–127.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coyne, J. C., Benazon, N. R., Gaba, C. G., Calzone, K., & Weber, B. L. (2000). Distress and psychiatric morbidity among women from high-risk breast and ovarian cancer families. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(5), 864.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cull, A., Fry, A., Rush, R., & Steel, C. M. (2001). Cancer risk perceptions and distress among women attending a familial. A Systematic Review of the Impact of Genetic Counselling on Risk Perception Accuracy ovarian cancer clinic. British Journal of Cancer, 84, 594–599.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Culver, J. O., Brinkerhoff, C. D., Clague, J., Yang, K., Singh, K. E., Sand, S. R., & Witzel, J. N. (2013). Variant of uncertain significance in BRCA testing: evaluation of surgical decisions, risk perception, and cancer distress. Clinical Genetics, 84(5), 464–472.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Di Gaudio, F., Calò, V., La Paglia, L., Bruno, L., Di Piazza, F., Cicero, G., et al. (2012). What are cancer risks in BRCA carriers aport from those regarding the breast and the ovary? Current Women’s Health Reviews, 8(1), 65–71.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dieng, M., Watts, C. G., Kasperian, A. N., Morton, R. L., Mann, G. J., & Cust, A. E. (2014). Improving subjective perception of personal cancer risk: systematic review and meta-analysis of educational interventions for people with cancer or at high risk of cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 23(6), 613–625.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elwyn, G., & Miron-Shatz, T. (2010). Deliberation before determination: the definition and evaluation of good decision making. Health Expectations, 13(2), 139–147.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gil, F., Grassi, L., Travado, L., & Tomamichel, M. (2005). Use of distress and depression thermometer to measure psychological morbidity among southern European cancer patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, 13(8), 600–606.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Godino, L., Razzaboni, E., Bianconi, M., & Turchetti, D. (2016). Impact of genetic counselling in women with a family history of breast cancer in Italy. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 25(2), 405–411.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gopie, J. P., Vasen, H. F., & Tibben, A. (2012). Surveillance for hereditary cancer: does he benefit outweigh the psychological burder? – a systematic review. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, 83, 329–340.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Halpern, S. D. (2012). Shaping end-of-life care: behavioral economics and advance directives. Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 33(4), 393–400.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heshka, J. T., Palleschi, C., Howley, H., Wilson, B., & Wells, P. S. (2008). A systematic review of perceived risks, psychological and behavioral impacts of genetic testing. Genetics in Medicine, 10(1), 19–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leblond, D., Brédart, A., Dolbeault, S., De Pauw, A., Stoppa, L. D., Flahault, C., et al. (2011). Cognitive, emotional and behavioral impact of an uncertain outcome after study of BRCA1/2: review of the literature. Bulletin du Cancer, 98(2), 184–198.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lerman, C., Croyle, R. T., Tercyak, K. P., & Hamann, H. (2002). Genetic testing: psychological aspects and implications. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 784–797.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levine, L. J., Lench, H. C., Kaplan, R. L., & Safer, M. A. (2012). Accuracy and artifact: reexamining the intensity bias in affective forecasting. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 103(4), 584–605.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meiser, B. (2005). Psychological impact of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility: an update of the literature. Psycho-Oncology, 14(12), 1060–1074.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morasso, G., Costantini, M., Di Leo, S., Roma, S., Miccinesi, G., Merlo, D. F., et al. (2008). End of life care in Italy: personal experience of family caregivers. A content analysis of open questions from the Italian Survey of the Dying of Cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 17, 1073–1080.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines. (2016) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian. Available at: http://www.nccn.org/professional/physician_gts/pdf/genetics_screening.pdf. Accessed September 3, 2015.

  • Peters, S. A., Laham, S. M., Pachter, N., & Winship, I. M. (2014). The future in clinical genetics: affective forecasting biases in patient and clinician decision making. Clinical Genetics, 85(4), 312–317.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pieterse, A. H., Van Dulmen, A. M., Beemer, F. A., Bensing, J. M., & Ausems, M. G. (2007). Cancer genetic counseling: communication and counselees’ post-visit satisfaction, cognitions, anxiety, and needs fulfillment. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 16(1), 85–96.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Rantala, J., Platten, U., & Lindgren, G. (2009). Risk perception after genetic counselling in patients with increased risk of cancer. Hered Cancer Clin Pract, 7, 15.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Resta, R., Biesecker, B., Bennet, R., Blum, S., Hahn, E. S., Strecker, M., et al. (2006). A new definition of genetic counselling: notional Society of Genetic Counselors’ task force report. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 15, 77–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smerecnik, C. M., Mesters, I., Verweij, E., de Vries, N. K., & de Vries, H. (2009). A systematic review of the impact of genetic counseling on risk perception accuracy. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 18(3), 217–228.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, A. W., Dougall, A. L., Polsluszny, D. M., Somers, T. J., Rubistein, W. S., & Baum, A. (2008). Psychological distress and quality of life associated with genetic testing for breast cancer risk. Psycho-Oncology, 2008(17), 767–773.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tong, A., Kelly, S., Nusbaum, R., Graves, K., Peshkin, B. N., Valdimarsdottir, H. B., et al. (2015). Intentions for risk-reducing surgery among high-risk women referred for BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic counselling. Psycho-Oncology, 24(1), 33–39.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trepanier, A., Ahrens, M., McKinnon, W., Peters, J., Stopfer, J., Grumet, S., et al. (2004). Genetic cancer risk assessment and counselling: recommendations of the National Society of genetic counselors. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 13, 83–114.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Voorwinden, S., & Jaspers, P. C. (2016). Prognostic factors for distress after genetic testing for hereditary cancer. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 25, 495. doi:10.1007/s10897-015-9894-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wevers, M. R., Ausems, M. G., Verhoef, S., Bleiker, E. M., Hahn, D. E., Brouwer, T., et al. (2015). Does rapid genetic counselling and testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients cause additional psychosocial distress? Results from a randomized clinical trial. Genetics in Medicine, 18(2), 137–144.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zigmond, A. S., & Snaith, R. P. (1983). The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 67, 361–370.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical, Oncology and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, n. 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy

    G Cicero, R De Luca, P Dorangricchia, D Fanale, V Calò & A Russo

  2. Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy

    G Lo Coco

  3. Laboratoire Parisien de Psychologie Sociale, Université Paris 8 Vincennes Saint Denis, Saint Denis, France

    C Guarnaccia

Authors
  1. G Cicero
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R De Luca
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. P Dorangricchia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. G Lo Coco
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. C Guarnaccia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. D Fanale
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. V Calò
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. A Russo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to G Cicero.

Ethics declarations

Cicero G, De Luca R, Dorangricchia P, Lo Coco G, Guarnaccia C, Fanale D, Calò V and Russo A declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human Studies and Informed Consent

were carried out by the authors for this article.

Animal Studies

No animal studies were carried out by the authors for this article.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Cicero, G., De Luca, R., Dorangricchia, P. et al. Risk Perception and Psychological Distress in Genetic Counselling for Hereditary Breast and/or Ovarian Cancer. J Genet Counsel 26, 999–1007 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-017-0072-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-017-0072-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation