PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To investigate cancer surveillance behaviors of women at 
risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) who presented for clinical 
BRCA cancer susceptibility testing, specifically to describe cancer surveillance 
behaviors and reasons for not engaging in behaviors, compare surveillance 
behaviors with existing surveillance guidelines, and evaluate associations of 
cancer surveillance behaviors with BRCA results.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive.
SETTING: Genetic risk-assessment programs in a National Cancer 
Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a community cancer center, 
both in the southwestern region of the United States.
SAMPLE: Purposive sample of 107 at-risk women.
METHODS: Self-report survey.
MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Breast and ovarian cancer surveillance behaviors and 
BRCA test results.
FINDINGS: Ninety percent of participants had a personal history of breast 
cancer; 84% had a negative BRCA result. About 60% of participants engaged in at 
least the minimum recommended breast cancer surveillance behaviors, but 70% had 
suboptimal ovarian cancer surveillance behaviors. Lack of physician 
recommendation was the most frequently reported reason for not having 
surveillance procedures. BRCA results were not associated with the breast cancer 
surveillance categories and the ovarian cancer surveillance recommendations.
CONCLUSIONS: Although most participants were not carriers of a mutation, the 
presence of other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer dictates continued 
cancer surveillance. At-risk women may not be informed adequately about cancer 
surveillance.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Healthcare providers should be aware of changing 
breast and ovarian cancer surveillance recommendations and counsel their at-risk 
patients accordingly.