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Evidence summaries

Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment for Individuals at Risk of Familial Breast Cancer

Cancer genetic risk assessment for individuals at risk of familial breast cancer appears to reduce distress, improve the accuracy of the perceived risk of, and increase knowledge about, breast cancer and genetics. Level of evidence: "B"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 8 studies with a total of 1973 subjects that assessed the impact of cancer genetic risk assessment on outcomes including perceived risk, and psychological distress. This review suggests that cancer genetic risk assessment services help to reduce distress, improve the accuracy of the perceived risk of, and increase knowledge about, breast cancer and genetics. The health professional delivering the risk assessment does not appear to have a significant impact on these outcomes.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by inconsistency of results; heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes.

    References

    • Hilgart JS, Coles B, Iredale R. Cancer genetic risk assessment for individuals at risk of familial breast cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;2:CD003721. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords