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BRCA1/2testing in newly diagnosed breast and ovarian cancer patients without prior genetic counselling: the DNA-BONus study

Authors :
Høberg-Vetti, Hildegunn
Bjorvatn, Cathrine
Fiane, Bent E
Aas, Turid
Woie, Kathrine
Espelid, Helge
Rusken, Tone
Eikesdal, Hans Petter
Listøl, Wenche
Haavind, Marianne T
Knappskog, Per M
Haukanes, Bjørn Ivar
Steen, Vidar M
Hoogerbrugge, Nicoline
Source :
European Journal of Human Genetics: EJHG; June 2016, Vol. 24 Issue: 6 p881-888, 8p
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

Germline BRCA1/2testing of breast and ovarian cancer patients is growing rapidly as the result affects both treatment and cancer prevention in patients and relatives. Through the DNA-BONus study we offered BRCA1/2testing and familial risk assessment to all new patients with breast (N=893) or ovarian (N=122) cancer diagnosed between September 2012 and April 2015, irrespective of family history or age, and without prior face-to-face genetic counselling. BRCA1/2testing was accepted by 405 (45.4%) and 83 (68.0%) of the patients with breast or ovarian cancer, respectively. A pathogenic BRCA1/2variant was found in 7 (1.7%) of the breast cancer patients and 19 (22.3%) of the ovarian cancer patients. In retrospect, all BRCA1/2mutation carriers appeared to fulfill current criteria for BRCA1/2testing. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores showed that the mean levels of anxiety and depression were comparable to those reported for breast and gynecological cancer patients in general, with a significant drop in anxiety symptoms during a 6-month follow-up period, during which the test result was forwarded to the patients. These results show that BRCA1/2testing is well accepted in newly diagnosed breast and ovarian cancer patients. Current test criteria based on age and family history are sufficient to identify most BRCA1/2mutation carriers among breast cancer patients. We recommend germline BRCA1/2testing in all patients with epithelial ovarian cancer because of the high prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2variants.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10184813 and 14765438
Volume :
24
Issue :
6
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
European Journal of Human Genetics: EJHG
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs38903763
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/ejhg.2015.196