There is little written about the quality of genetic counseling for men with the BRCA1/2 mutation. The purpose of this study was to describe the quality of genetic counseling and connected factors according to Finnish male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers' (n = 35) perspectives and reasons for seeking genetic counseling. Data were collected from the Departments of Clinical Genetics at five Finnish university hospitals. The exploratory study design was conducted using a 51-item questionnaire based on a previously devised quality of counseling model and analyzed using non-parametric tests and principle content analysis. The satisfaction level with genetic counseling was high, especially with regard to the content of genetic counseling. The benefit of genetic counseling on the quality of life differed significantly (p < 0.001-0.009) from other factors. In particular, genetic counseling was in some cases associated to reduce the quality of life. Only 49 % of the male carriers felt they received sufficient counseling on social support. Attention to individual psychosocial support was proposed as an improvement to genetic counseling. Primary and secondary reasons for seeking genetic counseling and background information, such as education, affected the perceived quality of genetic counseling. The results of the study could be used to tailor genetic counseling for male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

Earlier studies have explored post-identification experiences of male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, but more detailed knowledge of both their experiences and effects of identification as a carrier on their lives is required to improve genetic counseling. Thus, the aim of this study was to acquire deeper and broader insights into their experiences. Qualitative data were collected from theme-based interviews with 31 men carrying BRCA1/2 mutations in Finland, and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Three categories of the participants' responses to identification as BRCA1/2 mutation carriers were identified (personal, offspring-related and related to other relatives), mainly concerning issues associated with cancer, hereditary transmission of their mutations, and life decisions. Although there were many neutral responses regarding the issues, there were also strong emotional reactions and cancer worries. Identification as a carrier also had several effects on participants' lifestyles, including adoption of healthier and disease-preventing behavior, and social well-being, such as family planning and attitudes to life. The results provide detailed information about several aspects of male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers' experiences, which could be used to develop a tentative model of tailored genetic counseling for them.

Background: Previous studies of genetic counseling (GC) for male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have focused on their level of satisfaction with the GC and its content. The aim of this study was to examine the GC experiences of male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, and their suggestions for improving GC, more broadly. Methods: Data were collected by themed interviews of Finnish male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (n = 31), and subjected to inductive content analysis. Results: The results indicated that the participants had a mixture of both positive and negative experiences of GC regarding operational conditions at Departments of Clinical Genetics (DCGs) and the ability of the counselors' (clinical geneticists or genetic nurses) to provide GC. Although the GC was implemented in a professional manner, according to the male participants, more concreate and illustrative information should be provided, and the counselors should receive additional training to provide such information and improve their communication skills. Conclusions: Based on results of the study we make some suggestions for tailored GC for male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. The results may facilitate development of a tentative model of GC that could be extended to broader categories of people at risk of hereditary cancer syndromes in the future.