Journal of Integrative Oncology

Streamlined Genetic Education Is Effective In Preparing Women Newly Diagnosed With Breast Cancer for Decision-Making About Treatment-Focused Genetic Testing: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial

Abstract

Bettina Meiser

Purpose: Increasingly, women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are being offered treatment-focused genetic testing (‘TFGT’). As the demand for TFGT increases, streamlined methods of genetic education are needed. Patients and Methods: In this non-inferiority trial, women aged <50 with either a strong family history (FH+) or other features suggestive of a germline mutation (FH-) were randomized before definitive breast cancer surgery to receive TFGT education either: as brief written materials (intervention group, IG) or during a genetic counseling session at a familial cancer clinic (FCC, usual care group, UCG). Women completed self-report questionnaires at four time points over 12 months.