by Anne Brédart, Antoine De Pauw, Amélie Anota, Anja
Tüchler, Julia Dick, Anita Müller, Jean-Luc Kop, Kerstin Rhiem, Rita
Schmutzler, Peter Devilee, Dominique Stoppa-Lyonnet, Sylvie Dolbeault
The Breast: August 23, 2021
Objectives
Comprehensive breast cancer (BC) risk models integrating
effects of genetic (GRF) and non-genetic risk factors (NGRF) may refine BC
prevention recommendations. We explored the perceived information received on
BC risk factors, and related characteristics, in female relatives of women with
a BRCA1/2 or PALB2 pathogenic variant, undergoing BC risk
assessment using the CanRisk© prediction tool.
Methods
Of 200 consecutive cancer-free women approached after the
initial genetic consultation, 161 (80.5%) filled in questionnaires on their
perception of information received and wished further information on BC risk
factors (e.g., being a carrier of a moderate risk altered gene, personal
genetic profile, lifestyles). Multilevel multivariate linear models were performed
accounting for the clinician who met the counselee and exploring the effect of
counselees’ socio-demographic, familial and psychological characteristics on
the perceived extent of information received.
Results
Perceived no/little information received and wish for
further information were more frequent for NGRF (>50%) than for GRF,
especially high-risk genes (<20%). Perceived amount of information received
and desire for further information were inversely correlated (p=<0.0001).
Higher education level related to lower perceived levels of information
received on GRF. Younger counselees' age (β = 0.13,
p = 0.02) and less frequent engagement coping (e.g., inclination to
solicit information) (β = 0.24, p = 0.02) related to lower
perceived information received about NGRF. Other assessed counselees’ features
were not found to be associated to GRF and NGRF information perception.
Conclusions
Awareness of counselees’ perceived lack of information on BC
risk factors indicates a need to enhance evidence-based information on BC NGRF
especially.
