Mood state profile and coping strategies after BRCA-1/2 genetic test disclosure: a retrospective study in Italy

Currently, 5–10% of all breast cancers are estimated to be hereditary, and a proportion of them are attributable to mutations in several highly penetrant susceptibility genes, including BRCA1/2 [1–3]. Availability of genetic testing for BRCA1/2 gene mutations has stimulated the need to thoroughly analyze the psychological impact of the genetic information in families with hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancers. In particular, the individual increased risk for these tumors and the possibility of transmission of the predisposing mutation to the offspring suggested that disclosure of a BRCA1/2 genetic test results could be an emotionally relevant event, associated with different coping behaviors.