| The current study was designed to investigate associations between physical activity level and self-reported distress before and after BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Participants included 131 women (68 breast and ovarian cancer patients and 63 women with a family history of breast cancer) considering genetic testing. Of those, 23 decided not to be tested, 22 tested positive, 73 tested negative, and 13 received variant results. Data were obtained through questionnaires administered prior to BRCA1/2 genetic testing, after receiving results, and at a 3-month follow-up visit. Results suggested that distress dissipated in all participants over time, with no significant differences based on test results. However, individuals with a personal cancer history reported higher levels of distress. Physical activity data indicated that sedentary individuals reported more depressive symptoms before and after testing, compared with those who were consistently active or those who reported at least 2 ½ hours of activity per week. The relationship between higher activity and fewer depressive symptoms continued to be significant even after controlling for age, cancer status and related treatment, test results, and psychiatric medication use. Although the causal direction of this relationship cannot be determined from these data, the relationship was robust. These data indicate the need for more research, particularly randomized physical activity intervention studies among women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. |
