Methods in Education for Breast Cancer Genetics

Plain-language summary

In 1997, the Genetics Department of the NCI Medicine Branch helped establish a breast cancer genetics program at the National Naval Medical Center s Breast Care Center. Genetic education, counseling, and germline testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2, two genes which confer increased lifetime risks for breast and ovarian cancer, were offered under a Navy IRB-approved study. Sixty participants received education and counseling on that protocol, 49 of whom chose to have genetic testing. The education and counseling, provided by oncology nurses trained in cancer genetics, focused on preparing participants to make well-informed decisions about testing. Included were information on cancer and genetics; hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome; risks, benefits and limitations of BRCA1/BRCA2 testing; and screening and risk reduction options for high-risk individuals. Through our experience with this study, we devised two different methods of providing this information. Both of these methods were well received and appear to be equally effective, as measured by knowledge assessments before and after the sessions and subjective evaluation by the participants. We will now study them in a randomized fashion in the current protocol, to better evaluate whether one method is preferable. Ultimately we hope to be able to make recommendations that will allow for access to genetic education and counseling for more individuals in a more cost efficient manner.

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