RCT of a Group Intervention for Women With a Family History of Breast Cancer

One in 10 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) and approximately 5% of all BC is believed to be hereditary. Women with a family history experience high levels of perceived risk for developing BC. Elevated risk perceptions for BC have been associated with psychological distress, which, in turn, can interfere with screening adherence. In our completed CBCRI-funded study, we developed and standardized a group intervention designed to address the psychological issues associated with having a family history of BC. Results demonstrated that the intervention led to significant improvement in levels of anxiety and depression, improved BC risk factors/genetics knowledge and was associated with optimal screening behavior. The proposed study will rigorously test the group intervention in comparison to standard risk counselling in a sample of 150 women recruited from Familial BC clinics in Toronto. The interventions will be examined for their impact on a) psychological functioning, b) BC risk/genetic knowledge and c) screening behaviors.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

70 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* at least one 1st-degree relative with Breast Cancer
* age 18-70 years
* live within one hour of downtown Toronto
* score higher than 15 in Breast Cancer Anxiety Scale (BCAS)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Carrier status for genetic mutation (i.e. BRCA1) known
* Previous diagnosis of breast cancer or other malignancy (other than non-melanoma skin cancer)
* History of major psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia, active psychosis, untreated major depression, as defined in the DSM IV and obtained through a semi-structured psychiatric interview
* Failure to provide informed consent