A randomized controlled trial of a brief self-help coping intervention designed to reduce distress when awaiting genetic risk information.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a distraction-based coping leaflet in reducing distress in women undergoing genetic risk assessment for breast/ovarian cancer. METHOD One hundred sixty-two women participated in a randomized controlled trial, receiving either the intervention or standard information. Data were collected through a postal questionnaire at entry into a genetic risk assessment programme and 1 month later. RESULT Analysis of covariance revealed a nonsignificant reduction in distress in all women, and a significant reduction of distress among those with high baseline stress, who received the intervention. No gains were found among the control group. Measures of emotional response while thinking about cancer genetic assessment suggested these benefits were achieved in the absence of any rebound emotional response. CONCLUSION The intervention offers a low-cost effective coping intervention, which could be integrated into existing services with minimal disruption and may also be appropriate for other periods of waiting and uncertainty.