Abstract
Problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the likelihood and determinants of communication of BRCA1/2 test results to at-risk family members. Methods. Subjects were 163 members of hereditary breast cancer families participating in a prospective observational study of genetic testing and counseling. Predictor variables (i.e., sociodemographic and psychosocial variables) were assessed during the baseline telephone interview. Communication outcomes were assessed by telephone one month following disclosure of test results. Results. Carriers (n = 80) and noncarriers (n = 83) were most likely to communicate their test results to a sister and were least likely to communicate their test results to a young child; however, different factors were associated with communication outcomes among carriers and noncarriers. Among carriers, females were more likely than males to communicate their test results to a sister. Among noncarriers, respondents with heightened perceptions of having a BRCA1/2 alteration were significantly more likely to communicate their test results to a brother. Conclusions. Interventions may need to emphasize cancer risks of male first-degree relatives and to address communication difficulties as well as the accuracy of information communicated to family members.