How Does Family History of Breast Cancer Affect Young Girls?

Does a family history of breast cancer or BRCA mutations adversely affect psychosocial development in young girls? To find out, U.S. researchers compared data on 441 girls (age range, 6–13 years) with breast cancer family histories (BCFH+; one or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer or a BRCA mutation in the family) and 428 of their peers without such histories (BCFH−). The girls' mothers (primarily white and educated) completed standardized assessments of their daughters' psychosocial adjustment; in addition, 10- to 13-year-old girls completed their own assessments.

Mother-reported psychosocial adjustment was better in BCFH+ girls than in BCFH− girls. Among 10- to 13-year-olds, self-reported psychosocial adjustment and …