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The Impact of Breast Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment on Intentions to Perform Cancer Surveillance Behaviors

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

One hundred and fifty-four women undergoing breast/ovarian cancer genetic risk assessment completed questionnaires at entry into the Cancer Genetic Service for Wales (CGSW) assessment program and following risk provision, mapping the strength of intentions to engage in a number of preventive/surveillance behaviors, including seeing specialists, breast self-examination, and involvement in screening programs, including mammography. A number of potential predictors of intentions were also assessed, including participants’ mood and emotional response to receiving risk information, the perceived benefits (in terms of reassurance and early disease detection) of engaging in each preventive behavior, and the perceived desires of their family and General Practitioner. Intentions to self-examine did not change following risk provision, although strength of intentions to engage in some other preventive behaviors did lessen. Family and General Practitioners appeared to be strong social influences on behavioral intentions, as were the perceived benefits of gaining reassurance and/or early detection of disease.

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There are no potential conflicts regarding conducting this research or publication of its results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Nursing, Health and Social Research, University of Cardiff, 4th Floor Eastgate House, Newport Rd, Cardiff, CF24 0AB, UK

    Paul Bennett, Clare Wilkinson, Jim Turner, Gethin Griffith, Barbara France, Kate Brain & Jonathon Gray

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  1. Paul Bennett
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  2. Clare Wilkinson
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  3. Jim Turner
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  4. Gethin Griffith
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  5. Barbara France
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  6. Kate Brain
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  7. Jonathon Gray
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Correspondence to Paul Bennett.

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Bennett, P., Wilkinson, C., Turner, J. et al. The Impact of Breast Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment on Intentions to Perform Cancer Surveillance Behaviors. J Genet Counsel 16, 617–623 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-007-9100-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-007-9100-9

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