Provision of breast cancer risk information to women at the lower end of the familial risk spectrum.

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer family clinics provide risk information as one of their key functions. Many referrals to these clinics are 'low-risk' women.

Objective: It was the aim of this study to report on the generic risk status letters and printed materials (in the form of leaflets) provided to this category of counselees by UK cancer genetics centres.

Methods: A postal survey was conducted requesting information materials from genetic centres.

Results: Personalized risk letters and/or printed materials were received from 16 of 22 familial cancer centres in the UK. Personalized risk letters and printed materials currently provided to these counselees display inconsistencies and over-simplification that may lead to misunderstanding.

Conclusion: There is a need for collaboration among cancer genetics centres to design more helpful and consistent literature.