The role of social support and stress coping strategies in genetic screening for cancer predisposition – BRCA testing as an example

Introduction Individuals with monoallelic pathogenic variants in <i>BRCA1</i>/<i>BRCA2</i> genes are at an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. The results genetic tests may present a stressor related to the fear associated impact diagnosis on individual’s future. Aim aim study was verify level depression, anxiety, and stress individuals waiting for <i>BRCA</i> tests. How personality traits, coping strategies social support influence mental discomfort examined. Material methods 82 consecutive completed anonymous online survey consisting basic information five questionnaires: Inventory Measuring Coping Stress (Mini-COPE), Depression, Anxiety Scale (DASS-21), Generalized Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7), Polish adaptation Ten Item Personality test (TIPI-PL), Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). Results discussion Participants obtained highest scores Mini-COPE strategies: active coping, planning, positive reframing, acceptance, seeking emotional support. DASS-21 GAD-7 indicate mainly normal range. TIPI-PL were conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion scales. Participants, who have already had higher Need Conclusions In general, situation testing is not causing significant negative discomfort. Nonetheless, role their test.