Stress and Coping in Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk
Abstract
This study is a prospective study of women at high risk for early-onset breast cancer, and their husbands and siblings. Proband women are assessed at study entry, immediately before receiving results, and 2-, 6-, and 12-months after receiving results. Women who do not receive test results are assessed annually to track changes in functioning over time. The main objectives of the study are to describe psychological functioning among high-risk women and their families; evaluate the performance of screening instruments in detecting clinical depression; describe social support processes among high-risk women; and assess the impact of genetic testing on women and their families. We have continued our collaborations with the Cancer Risk Evaluation Program at the University of Pennsylvania to understand the impact of varying methods of result disclosure. Both baseline and follow-up data suggest that women and their families manage the process of genetic testing well, exhibit low levels of distress and worry, and report few negative effects of testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA412543
Entities
People
- James C. Coyne
- Jeffrey Sonis
Organizations
- University of Michigan