Hereditary breast cancer risk: factors associated with the decision to undergo BRCA 1 testing.

The determination of tumoural genetic markers is the latest research priority in oncology. The high level of psychological distress observed in women at enhanced risk of breast cancer affects their willingness and readiness to bank DNA samples for BRCA 1 testing and the clinician's ability to engage in prevention measures such as mammography, breast clinical examination and breast self-examination. From psychological approach to oncology (psycho-oncology), it should be able to help identify factors that will increase breast cancer screening compliance (early breast cancer detection) and participation in genetic testing (BRCA 1 gene) for heritable breast cancer risk.