Table 3.

Reports of the positive and negative aspects of learning of the familial BRCA mutation prior to age 25 years old

	In general	For self
Benefits of learning prior to 25 year old
To change health behaviors	11	7
To consider changing life plans	5	2
To be aware of the option for genetic testing	4	7
To explain the cancer in the family	1	3
For general knowledge or awareness of personal and family health	4	10
Emotional benefits	2	3
None	1	2
Negative aspects of learning prior to 25 years old
Could cause/has caused fear or worry of cancer	11	6
Could cause/has caused fatalistic attitude toward developing cancer	4	2
Could be/has been harmful if not mature enough at disclosure	5	1
Could impact/has impacted life plans or relationships	3	0
No potential negative aspects	8	15