Stress and Coping in Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk.
Abstract
Predictive testing is now possible for altered genes which convey heightened risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Testing is already being offered to our sample of high-risk women who have been participating in genetic linkage and mutation studies and it is becoming more generally available. In the absence of prior research, we are faced with a need for basic descriptive data concerning women at high-risk for early onset breast cancer and their families; their psychosocial assets and liabilities, their attitudes and beliefs, their intention to seek predictive testing, and their preparedness for possible results. This project involves a prospective study of high risk women drawn from a hereditary cancer registry and their families in a time period spanning from prior to the offering of predictive testing to a year following their decision whether to obtain such testing. The second year of the project was marked by the continued progress of the study, including movement of some women into the follow up phase. Important results include findings concerning the nature of social support processes in these high risk families and the gathering of further evidence of the positive adjustment of these women. Comparative studies utilizing community samples are also being launched.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA357279
Entities
People
- James C. Coyne
Organizations
- University of Michigan