Scoping Review of Nonsurgical, Nonpharmacologic Interventions After Risk Reduction: Improving Quality of Life for Patients With Inherited Cancer Risk

PURPOSE: Although risk-reduction interventions for inherited cancer can significantly reduce cancer risk, they may also lead to distressing symptoms. It is not well understood how clinicians support patients in managing such concerns. This scoping review describes nonsurgical, nonpharmacologic interventions for adults with inherited cancer risk who have completed risk reduction. LITERATURE SEARCH: Five publications were identified following a database review for English language articles published from 2015 to 2020. DATA EVALUATION: Sample, content, methods, and outcomes of included interventions are summarized. RESULTS: The study identified five interventions: (a) a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention for BRCA1/2 carriers after prophylactic oophorectomy, (b) an MBSR-like program for BRCA1/2 carriers, (c) an MBSR workshop for BRCA1/2 carriers after prophylactic oophorectomy, (d) a three-month diet intervention in adultAPC carriers after prophylactic colectomy, and (e) a 12-month lifestyle intervention for BRCA1/2 carriers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Future research should target a broader variety of heritable cancers to identify effective strategies for addressing challenges with risk-reduction interventions for inherited cancer.