Attitudes towards predictive genetic testing in minors for familial breast cancer: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this article is to review the attitudes of different stakeholders (minors, parents, healthcare professionals, and relatives of affected individuals) towards predictive genetic testing of minors for familial breast cancer.

Design: The databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Psychinfo, Biological Abstracts, Francis, Anthropological Index online, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts were searched using relevant key words; literature indexed up to May 2006 was considered. Studies were included if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal written in English and if they described the attitudes of the different stakeholders towards predictive genetic testing of minors for familial breast cancer. The results are presented in a summary form.

Results: A total of 14 studies were included. The studies were very heterogeneous, using a variety of study populations, study designs, sample sizes, and study measures. Substantial proportions of adolescents were interested in learning whether they were at risk for familial breast cancer. The attitudes of healthcare professionals about testing minors diverged.

Conclusion: Our review has made clear that many respondents fail to understand potential risks related to predictive genetic testing in minors. Respondents might have overly positive expectations about possibilities for genetic testing. This emphasizes the need for genetic education and counselling about genetic testing in minors.