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Review
. 2022 Aug;13(4):371-379.
doi: 10.1007/s12687-022-00600-4. Epub 2022 Jul 12.

Experiences of individuals with a variant of uncertain significance on genetic testing for hereditary cancer risks: a mixed method systematic review

Danielle Gould  1 , Rachel Walker  2 , Grace Makari-Judson  3 , Memnun Seven  2
Affiliations
Review

Experiences of individuals with a variant of uncertain significance on genetic testing for hereditary cancer risks: a mixed method systematic review

Danielle Gould et al. J Community Genet. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

The expansion of Multi-Gene Panel Testing (MGPT) has led to increased detection of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) among individuals with personal or family history of cancer. However, having a VUS result can impact on emotional and psychological wellbeing and cause challenges for non-geneticist healthcare providers. The purpose of this mixed methods systematic review was to examine what is currently known about the experiences of individuals with a VUS on genetic testing for inherited cancer susceptibility. The initial search was conducted in June 2020 using PUBMED, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsychInfo according to the Joanna Briggs methodology for systematic reviews. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies included in this review identified a range of emotional reactions to a VUS result, a general lack of understanding of a VUS result and its implications, frustration with a lack of healthcare provider knowledge, and a need for clear communication with healthcare providers. This review identified critical gaps in current knowledge to guide genetic counseling praxis, specifically in the knowledge of communication patterns and methods of improving communication with healthcare providers and family members and preferred risk management strategies. This will help to improve the counseling process and the management of care during and after genetic testing.

Keywords: Genetic testing; Hereditary cancer; Literature review; Variant of uncertain significance (VUS).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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