Table 2.

Genetic susceptibility testing for BRCA1/2

First counselling session with a genetic counsellor
- Assessment of a priori knowledge concerning BRCA1/2 mutations and genetic testing and provision of risk Information
- Assessment of impact of the test result
- Assessment of need to refer to a psychosocial worker
- Decision counseling
- Blood sampling
No blood sampling but a second counselling session with a genetic counsellor or psychosocial worker if:
- counselee experiences provided information as very unfamiliar or shocking or decision making was not thorough
- other 'unfinished business' comes up such as relational conflicts, communication problems with relatives, worries about (future) children
- anticipation of inadequate coping with the test result
- the counselee is younger than 25
Disclosure session
- Disclosure of the test result by the genetic counsellor
- Assessment of need to refer to a psychosocial worker
- Referral to a specialist (for carriers)
Formal follow-up for mutation carriers:
- Follow-up interview by phone after 2-3 weeks
- Optional information seminar with experts (geneticist, oncologist, surgeon, gynaecologist) once a year
- Optional mutation carrier support group