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Risk-Reduction Surgery Decisions in High-Risk Women Seen for Genetic Counseling

  • Research Article
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Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

Women at greatest risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer may consider prophylactic removal of breasts or ovaries as a risk-reduction measure. This report describes uptake of risk-reduction mastectomy (RRM), risk-reduction oophorectomy (RRO), and related factors in 62 high-risk women who received genetic counseling. Seven (11%) participants underwent RRM and 13 (21%) underwent RRO. Of these women, 37% did not have BRCA testing, suggesting other factors influence decisions to undergo surgery. Women who had indicated (pre-genetic counseling) their intent not to have surgery chose not to have surgery. Information received during genetic counseling that women perceived as being most important for influencing risk-reduction surgery decisions was BRCA test result (positive or negative), followed by discussion of family cancer history. Reasons for indecision about risk-reduction surgery included genetic testing results, concerns about surgery, timing in life, and early menopause. The findings enhance our understanding of information that is helpful to women considering this surgery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

    Jessica A. Ray, Lois J. Loescher Ph.D & Molly Brewer

  2. Arizona Cancer Center, PO Box 245024, Tucson, AZ, 85724-5024

    Lois J. Loescher Ph.D

Authors
  1. Jessica A. Ray
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  2. Lois J. Loescher Ph.D
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  3. Molly Brewer
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Correspondence to Lois J. Loescher Ph.D.

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Ray, J.A., Loescher, L.J. & Brewer, M. Risk-Reduction Surgery Decisions in High-Risk Women Seen for Genetic Counseling. J Genet Counsel 14, 473–484 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-005-5833-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-005-5833-5

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