Improving Genetic Counseling for BRCA+ Mothers

Genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast cancer may reveal that you, and possibly your blood relatives, are at increased risk for the disease across the lifespan. This includes biological children, both male and female. We do not yet know the best ways to educate mothers who have a risk gene (are BRCA+) about whether, when, and how to share genetic information with their children or manage their thoughts and feelings. The purpose of this study is to help mothers make more informed choices about talking with children about hereditary breast cancer, provide them with age-and gender-appropriate information and emotional support, and improve their psychological well-being.