DNA-Testing for Heritable Breast Cancer Risks: Lessons from Traditional Genetic Counseling

Abstract

Abstract This article provides a brief overview of recent work in breast cancer genetics and addresses three areas of relevant behavioral medicine research: (a) understanding individuals' motivations to undergo genetic testing, (b) evaluating the impact of genetic testing on psychosocial outcomes, and (c) identifying moderators of the impact of genetic risk information. Recent studies show that levels of interest in genetic testing for breast cancer are high; however, most women who come forward lack understanding about inherited breast cancer risks and the benefits and limitations of genetic testing. Among those who participate in genetic testing for breast cancer, sociodemographic factors, psychological factors, and social/contextual factors may moderate their responses to genetic information. Before genetic testing for breast cancer is widely available, it is critical that prospective controlled trials be conducted to identify determinants of testing behavior, to elucidate the decision-making process, and to evaluate the behavioral and medical outcomes.