Most women being tested for mutations in the breast cancer antigen (

) genes have already decided their preferred course of action before learning the outcome, with the decision being strongly influenced by anticipated feelings of regret in case of a future breast cancer diagnosis, according to a report in the May 10 issue of the 

Sandra van Dijk, PhD, from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, and colleagues examined risk-management preferences in 338 women who were tested for mutations in the 

 genes, of which 80 were found to have mutations, before and up to 9 months after testing. 

The researchers found that 90% of the women already had a risk-management preference at baseline, whether prophylactic mastectomy or regular breast screening, and this remained stable over time for most women. Risk-management preference was strongly associated with anticipated feelings of regret in case of a future breast cancer diagnosis (OR, 8.93). 

van Dijk S, van Roosmalen MS, Otten W, et al. Decision making regarding prophylactic mastectomy: stability of preferences and the impact of anticipated feelings of regret. 

. 2008;26:2358-2363. doi:10.1200/JCO.2006.10.5494. 

News

Most women being tested for mutations in the breast CA antigen (BRCA) genes have already decided their preferred course of action before learning the outcome.