Psychological impact of genetic testing for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer

The psychological impact of predictive genetic testing for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer was assessed in 114 individuals (32 carriers and 82 non-carriers) attending familial cancer clinics, using mailed self-administered questionnaires prior to, 2 weeks, 4 months and 12 months after carrier status disclosure. Compared to baseline, carriers showed a significant increase in mean scores for intrusive and avoidant thoughts about colorectal cancer 2 weeks (t=2.49; p=0.014) and a significant decrease in mean depression scores 2 weeks post-notification of result (t=-3.98; p<9.001) and 4 months post-notification of result (t=-3.22; p=0.002). For non-carriers, significant decreases in mean scores for intrusive and avoidant thoughts about colorectal cancer were observed at all follow-up assessment time points relative to baseline. Non-carriers also showed significant decreases from baseline in mean depression scores 2 weeks, 4 months and 12 months post-notification. Significant decreases from baseline for mean state anxiety scores were also observed for non-carriers 2 weeks post-notification (t=-3.99; p>0.001). These data indicate that predictive genetic testing for HNPCC leads to psychological benefits against non-carriers, and no adverse psychological outcomes were observed amongst carriers.