Family Communication and Genetic Counseling: The Case of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

TLDR

In familial breast/ovarian cancer, the proband’s ability to provide information about other family members is critical for genetic counseling and depends on family communication. Forty‑six women attending a cancer genetics clinic were interviewed as part of a longitudinal study. The study found that most participants reported affected maternal relatives, communicated more with female relatives, relied on mothers for information, and, despite contacting relatives, often felt unable to discuss counseling due to family dynamics such as adoption, divorce, remarriage, rifts, and age gaps.

Abstract

Abstract In familial breast/ovarian cancer, the information that the proband is able to supply about other family members is of critical importance for genetic counseling. This frequently requires family communication. Forty‐six women attending a cancer genetics clinic were interviewed as part of a longitudinal study. Nearly all reported affected maternal, rather than paternal relatives, which may indicate lack of awareness by women with paternal histories. There was also much more communication among female relatives. Mothers, where they were still alive, were key figures in supplying family information. Although the majority of the sample contacted at least one relative regarding counseling, most named a relative with whom they did not feel able to communicate on this subject. Probands balanced the perceived obligation of passing on information with that of not causing alarm. Communication, both obtaining and giving information, was impeded by adoption, divorce and remarriage, family rifts, and large age gaps between siblings.