Science News Online (11/14/98): References for Cancer tests can heighten anxiety

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Cancer tests can heighten anxiety

Testing positive for a mutation in one of the so-called breast cancer genes can boost anxiety and depression in a woman for months after the test.

References:

Botkin, J.R., et al. 1998. Genetic testing for a BRCA1 mutation in a large kindred: Psychological and behavioral outcomes at 4 to 6 months. Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics. October. Denver.

Saal, H.M., and B.R. Haas 1998. Genetic counseling and genetics education. Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics. October. Denver.

Shannon, K.E., et al. 1998. The impact of receiving an uninformative BRCA1/2 test result on anxiety and depression scores at 3 months post-results disclosure. Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics. October. Denver.

Sources:

Jeffrey R. Botkin
University of Utah
100 North Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84113

Kristen E. Shannon
Massachusetts General Hospital
100 Blossom Street
Boston, MA 02114

From Science News, Vol. 154, No. 20, November 14, 1998, p. 316. Copyright Ó 1998 by Science Service.

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