Abstract
Introduction
BRCA 1 and 2 mutation carriers are invited to follow intensive clinical and instrumental
surveillance programs or are offered prophylactic breast and ovarian surgery. These
recommendations impact many aspects of their life. This study aims to evaluate the
satisfaction with surveillance and prophylactic surgery and the impact of these procedures
on the quality of life.
Patients and Methods
An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 174 BRCA1-2 mutation carriers.
Results
A total of 95% of women comply with the scheduled checks every 6 months. Periodic
examinations are considered useful for early diagnosis of breast/ovarian cancer by
91.5% of responders. Among those women who received prophylactic breast surgery, 95%
believe that this procedure can reduce cancer risk, but only 65% were completely satisfied
by the cosmetic outcome. Among women who underwent prophylactic ovarian surgery, 90.5%
would choose it again, mainly owing to a lower degree of concern about ovarian cancer
risk. The early onset of menopausal symptoms was the most frequently reported side
effects, but only 21% of patients use any treatment to relieve them.
Conclusion
Women who follow a surveillance program show a good level of satisfaction, thanks
to the lowering of concerns of cancer risk. The degree of satisfaction about the prophylactic
surgery is generally high. Risk-reducing mastectomy is usually well-accepted, despite
the fact that cosmetic results are not entirely satisfactory. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
may impact on quality of life because of the symptoms associated with early surgical
menopause, even if it can be treated with hormonal replacement therapies.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: July 25, 2018
Accepted:
July 16,
2018
Received in revised form:
May 21,
2018
Received:
February 23,
2018
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
