What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess changes in psychological distress and health beliefs before and after comprehensive interdisciplinary genetic counseling in families at risk for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

December 1, 2002Genetic Testing

Comprehensive Genetic Counseling for Families At Risk for HNPCC: Impact on Distress and Perceptions

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To assess changes in psychological distress and health beliefs before and after comprehensive interdisciplinary genetic counseling in families at risk for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
Assessed a consecutive cohort of 65 counselees (31 colorectal cancer patients and 34 unaffected at-risk relatives) who received counseling from geneticists, surgeons, and psycho-oncologists prior to genetic testing.
Administered self-report standardized and study-specific questionnaires evaluating distress, cancer worries, and health perceptions at baseline and 4–6 weeks post-counseling.
Psychological distress and specific cancer worries decreased post-counseling, alongside an increased belief in personal control and the perceived efficacy of early cancer detection.
Psychological benefits and increases in coping confidence were more pronounced among unaffected at-risk individuals compared to diagnosed cancer patients, with one-third noting improved family communication.
A subset of counselees reported increased worry and somatic symptoms after counseling, underscoring the necessity of targeted post-counseling psychological support.

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Implication

Prospective study reveals reduced distress and increased perceived control over cancer risk in individuals undergoing HNPCC counseling, suggesting comprehensive interdisciplinary support is...

Cite This Study

Keller et al. (2002) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a995f8ed0831dc1d8f0ed5e https://doi.org/10.1089/10906570260471822

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Implication

Prospective study reveals reduced distress and increased perceived control over cancer risk in individuals undergoing HNPCC counseling, suggesting comprehensive interdisciplinary support is...

Comprehensive Genetic Counseling for Families At Risk for HNPCC: Impact on Distress and Perceptions

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Comprehensive Genetic Counseling for Families At Risk for HNPCC: Impact on Distress and Perceptions

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study