HERSHEY, Pa., July 28 (UPI) -- A computer program can be just as effective at informing women about breast cancer and genetic testing as conventional counseling, U.S. researchers said.
An interactive program developed at Penn State University is as effective as counseling for women at low risk of breast cancer, researchers said, so it can be used in its place. However, they added, the program should be supplemented with counseling for high-risk patients to reduce anxiety and clarify the women's status.
Most women concerned about breast cancer are referred to genetic counselors who assess risk, offer advice about testing and explain options, but many times such counseling is not available, researchers said.
"The computer program is an alternative means of communicating information about genetic testing and may help women without access to genetic counselors to decide whether or not to have genetic testing for susceptibility to breast cancer," said Michael J. Green, associate professor of humanities and medicine.
