Family Communication Following BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing: A Close Look at the Process. Issue 3 (16th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lafrenière, Darquise; Bouchard, Karine; Godard, Béatrice; Simard, Jacques; Dorval, Michel
• Is Part Of: Journal of genetic counseling. Volume 22:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 323
• Page End: 335
• Publication Date: 2012-12-16
• Subjects: Genes -- BRCA1 -- BRCA2 -- Communication -- Family -- Genetic predisposition to disease -- Psychosocial factors; Genetic counseling -- Periodicals; 616.042
• DOI: 10.1007/s10897-012-9559-x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-7700

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines the process of communicating BRCA1/2 genetic test results to family members, and the factors influencing disclosure. Twenty‐nine semi‐structured telephone interviews with BRCA1/2 tested individuals, 4 to 9 years post‐notification, were conducted. Our results suggest that individual, familial, relational and socio‐medical factors influence the decision to disclose/not disclose genetic test results to family members. These factors are at play in all three communication phases: the Decision‐making phase, in which the individual ponders various factors before deciding to disclose test results to family members; the Disclosure phase, in which communication per se takes place; and the Reaction phase, which shapes the participant's subsequent disclosure/non‐disclosure decisions. We propose a guiding framework to assist in identifying and evaluating significant factors that might shape the course and outcome of the transmission of genetic information to family members.