Long-term psychological distress in women at risk for hereditary breast cancer adhering to regular surveillance: a risk profile

Background Some women at risk for hereditary breast cancer are at increased risk of psychological distress. In order to tailor support for individual women, the availability of a tool enabling the identification of psychologically vulnerable women at an early stage is warranted. The objectives of th...

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Published in:Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England) England), 2013-03, Vol.22 (3), p.598-604
Main Authors: den Heijer, Mariska, Seynaeve, Caroline, Vanheusden, Kathleen, Timman, Reinier, Duivenvoorden, Hugo J, Tilanus-Linthorst, Madeleine, Menke-Pluijmers, Marian BE, Tibben, Aad
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Aftercare - psychology
At risk
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms - diagnosis
Breast Neoplasms - psychology
Breast Self-Examination - psychology
Breast Self-Examination - statistics & numerical data
Coping
Emotional disorders
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Genetic disorders
Genetic Predisposition to Disease - psychology
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome - psychology
Humans
Middle Aged
Oncology
Psychological distress
regular surveillance
Risk Assessment
risk profile
Stress, Psychological - psychology
Surveillance
Women
Womens health
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Summary:Background Some women at risk for hereditary breast cancer are at increased risk of psychological distress. In order to tailor support for individual women, the availability of a tool enabling the identification of psychologically vulnerable women at an early stage is warranted. The objectives of this study were (1) to explore long‐term psychological distress in women at risk for hereditary breast cancer adhering to regular surveillance, and (2) to identify women being vulnerable for long‐term psychological distress, defined in terms of a multifactorial risk profile. Methods General distress and cancer‐related distress were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 5–8 years (T1) in 197 high‐risk women adhering to breast cancer surveillance. Coping styles, occurrence of breast cancer in the family of origin, breast cancer risk perception, and frequency of breast self‐examination, as assessed at T0, were examined as predictor variables for long‐term distress (T1). Results Across time, women reported a significant reduction in intrusion and avoidance. Intrusion levels were increased among women who had lost a first‐degree relative to breast cancer. Predictors of increased long‐term distress were passive and palliative coping styles, excessive breast self‐examination, and overestimation of breast cancer risk. On the other hand, coping through fostering reassuring thoughts was predictive for decreased long‐term distress. Conclusion On the basis of the identified risk profile, it is possible to identify vulnerable women at an early stage, who then may be offered additional and individually tailored support. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN:1057-9249
1099-1611
DOI:10.1002/pon.3039