Information needs on breast cancer genetic and non-genetic risk factors in relatives of women with a BRCA1/2 or PALB2 pathogenic variant

Objectives: Comprehensive breast cancer (BC) risk models integrating effects of genetic (GRF) and non-genetic risk factors (NGRF) may refine BC prevention recommendations. We explored the perceived information received on BC risk factors, and related characteristics, in female relatives of women with a BRCA1/2 or PALB2 pathogenic variant, undergoing BC risk assessment using the CanRisk(C) prediction tool. Methods: Of 200 consecutive cancer-free women approached after the initial genetic consultation, 161 (80.5%) filled in questionnaires on their perception of information received and wished further information on BC risk factors (e.g., being a carrier of a moderate risk altered gene, personal genetic profile, lifestyles). Multilevel multivariate linear models were performed accounting for the clinician who met the counselee and exploring the effect of counselees' socio-demographic, familial and psychological characteristics on the perceived extent of information received. Results: Perceived no/little information received and wish for further information were more frequent for NGRF (>50%) than for GRF, especially high-risk genes (<20%). Perceived amount of information received and desire for further information were inversely correlated (p=<0.0001). Higher education level related to lower perceived levels of information received on GRF. Younger counselees' age (beta = 0.13, p = 0.02) and less frequent engagement coping (e.g., inclination to solicit information) (beta = 0.24, p = 0.02) related to lower perceived information received about NGRF. Other assessed counselees' features were not found to be associated to GRF and NGRF information perception. Conclusions: Awareness of counselees' perceived lack of information on BC risk factors indicates a need to enhance evidence-based information on BC NGRF especially. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

The study found that female relatives were more likely to perceive a lack of information on non-genetic risk factors compared to genetic risk factors, and expressed a desire for more information. Higher education level was associated with lower perceived information on genetic risk factors, while younger age and lower engagement coping were related to lower perceived information on non-genetic risk factors.