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Uslu Y, Er S, Subaşı Sezgin D, Yeşilyurt A, Uras C. What Do Breast Cancer Previvors Tell Us About Their Stories? To Know or Not to Know? Semin Oncol Nurs 2024; 40:151714. [PMID: 39164159 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the (1) experiences of breast cancer previvor women during genetic testing; (2) perceptions of the impact of genetic testing on their personal, social, family, and professional lives; and (3) views on breast cancer prevention and follow-up processes. This study focused on the risk of breast cancer in persons with BRCA mutations. METHODS Data were collected through individual in-depth semistructured interviews. The data were analyzed using the MAXQDA program based on the method suggested by Graneheim and Lundman. RESULTS This study was conducted in Istanbul, Turkey, and included 17 participants. Five themes emerged from the data analysis-Acquaintance with BRCA, Living with BRCA, Managing the Legacy, Maternalism, and We Are Here, including a total of 12 categories. CONCLUSION The previvors had negative experiences during genetic testing, mainly owing to a lack of information, stigma, and women's roles in society. A structured and individualized process for genetic counseling was identified as the main requirement. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE National and international policies on breast cancer previvors should be developed to prevent breast cancer and reduce mortality. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach during genetic counseling will favorably contribute to previvors' medical and psychosocial well-being. Follow-up programs before and after genetic testing should be created. Society's cultural and genetic literacy levels should be evaluated, and activities should be planned to raise social awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Uslu
- Department of Surgical Nursing, Istanbul University, Faculty of Nursing, Fatih, İstanbul.
| | - Seda Er
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, İstanbul
| | | | | | - Cihan Uras
- Acibadem University, Institute of Senology, İstanbul
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Morgan J, MacInnes E, Erskine S, Walters SJ, Cook J, Collins K, Wyld L. Psychosocial outcomes after varying risk management strategies in women at increased familial breast cancer risk: a mixed methods study of patient and partner outcomes. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2024; 106:78-91. [PMID: 37458196 PMCID: PMC10757884 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2023.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Female carriers of BRCA1/2 genes have an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer. Options for managing risk include imaging surveillance or risk-reducing surgery (RRS). This mixed methods study aimed to identify factors affecting risk-management decisions and the psychosocial outcomes of these decisions for high-risk women and their partners. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were performed with women at high breast cancer risk who had faced these choices. Partners were also interviewed. Analysis used a framework approach. A bespoke questionnaire was developed to quantify and explore associations. RESULTS A total of 32 women were interviewed. Of these, 27 had partners of whom 7 (26%) agreed to be interviewed. Four main themes arose: perception of risk and impact of increased risk; risk-management strategy decision-making; impact of risk-management strategy; support needs and partner relationship issues. The questionnaire response rate was 36/157 (23%). Decision satisfaction was high in both surveillance and RRS groups. Relationship changes were common but not universal. Common causes of distress following RRS included adverse body image changes. Both groups experienced generalised and cancer-specific anxiety. Drivers for surgery included having children, deaths of close family from breast cancer and higher levels of cancer anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Levels of psychosocial and decision satisfaction were high for women choosing both RRS and surveillance but, for a minority, risk-reducing measures result in long-term psychosocial morbidity. Efforts to recognise women at increased risk of psychological morbidity may allow targeted support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E MacInnes
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - S Erskine
- East of England School of General Practice, Norwich, UK
| | | | - J Cook
- Sheffield Childrens NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | | | - L Wyld
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Park B, Kim D, Kim J, Lee BY, Yoon J, Kim SW. Attitudes toward Risk-Reducing Mastectomy and Risk-Reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy among Young, Unmarried, Healthy Women in Korea. Cancer Res Treat 2022; 54:375-382. [PMID: 34384016 PMCID: PMC9016293 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2021.449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the attitudes toward risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) as cancer prevention options for BRCA1/2 carriers in healthy, young, unmarried Korean women. MATERIALS AND METHODS A nationally representative sample of 600 women, aged 20-39 years, completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic variables, preference for genetic testing, and intention to undergo risk-reducing surgeries after receiving information on the cancer risk of BRCA1/2 mutations and benefits of risk-reducing surgeries. RESULTS A total of 54.7% and 57.7% had the intention to undergo RRM and RRSO, respectively, on the assumption that they were BRCA1/2 carriers. Older age and no intention to undergo genetic testing were associated with a reduced likelihood of undergoing RRM (odds ratio [OR], 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14 to 0.61 for age 35-39 years and OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.62 for no intention for genetic testing) and RRSO (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.79 for age 35-39 years and OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.53 for no intention for genetic testing). Women who chose to be single were likely to undergo risk-reducing surgeries (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.60 for RRM and OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.44 for RRSO). CONCLUSION More than 50% of healthy, unmarried, young Korean women were inclined to undergo prophylactic surgeries if they were BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Further studies on decision-making process for cancer prevention in individuals at high risk for cancer need to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyoung Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongwon Kim
- Department of Surgery, Daerim St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Kim
- Department of Surgery, Daerim St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bom Yi Lee
- Department of Surgery, Daerim St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junghyun Yoon
- Department of Health Sciences, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Won Kim
- Department of Surgery, Daerim St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Gomes P, Pietrabissa G, Silva ER, Silva J, Matos PM, Costa ME, Bertuzzi V, Silva E, Neves MC, Sales CMD. Family Adjustment to Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1603. [PMID: 35162625 PMCID: PMC8834948 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary cancer syndromes are inherited pathogenic genetic variants that significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. When individuals become aware of their increased probability of having cancer, the whole family is affected by this new reality and needs to adjust. However, adjustment to hereditary cancer syndromes has been mainly studied at an individual level, and research about familial adjustment remains dispersed and disorganized. To overcome this gap, this review aims to understand how families adjust to genetic testing and risk management, and to what extent the family's adjustment influences the psychological response and risk management behaviors of mutation carriers. We conducted searches on the PubMed/Med Line, PsycInfo, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases and used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT-v2018) to assess the methodological quality of each selected study. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria. Most results highlighted the interdependent nature of adjustment of pathogenic variant carriers and their families. The way carriers adjust to the syndrome is highly dependent on family functioning and related to how family members react to the new genetic information, particularly partners and siblings. Couples who share their worries and communicate openly about cancer risk present a better long-term adjustment than couples who use protective buffering (not talking about it to avoid disturbing the partner) or emotional distancing. Parents need help dealing with disclosing genetic information to their children. These findings reinforce the importance of adopting a family-centered approach in the context of genetic counseling and the necessity of involving family members in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Gomes
- Cancer Genetics Group, Research Centre of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (E.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.C.N.)
- Centre for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto (FPCEUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.M.M.); (M.E.C.); (E.S.); (C.M.D.S.)
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (V.B.)
- Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Eunice R. Silva
- Cancer Genetics Group, Research Centre of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (E.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.C.N.)
- Psychology Service, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Silva
- Cancer Genetics Group, Research Centre of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (E.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.C.N.)
- Medical Genetics Service, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Mena Matos
- Centre for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto (FPCEUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.M.M.); (M.E.C.); (E.S.); (C.M.D.S.)
| | - Maria Emília Costa
- Centre for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto (FPCEUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.M.M.); (M.E.C.); (E.S.); (C.M.D.S.)
| | - Vanessa Bertuzzi
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (V.B.)
| | - Eliana Silva
- Centre for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto (FPCEUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.M.M.); (M.E.C.); (E.S.); (C.M.D.S.)
| | - Maria Carolina Neves
- Cancer Genetics Group, Research Centre of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (E.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.C.N.)
- Centre for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto (FPCEUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.M.M.); (M.E.C.); (E.S.); (C.M.D.S.)
| | - Célia M. D. Sales
- Centre for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto (FPCEUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (P.M.M.); (M.E.C.); (E.S.); (C.M.D.S.)
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Jeong J, Park B, Kim D, Kim J, Lee BY, Yoon J, Kim SW. Sex Differences in Attitudes Toward Marriage and Childbearing Based on the Assumption of Being BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers Among Young People. J Breast Cancer 2022; 25:233-243. [PMID: 35775702 PMCID: PMC9250881 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2022.25.e25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated changes in attitudes toward marriage and childbearing assuming a BRCA1/2 mutation carrier status among healthy, unmarried individuals in Korea. Methods A nationally representative sample of healthy, unmarried individuals aged 20–39 years was surveyed. A questionnaire on marriage and childbearing intentions was administered to the participants before and after providing them with information on BRCA1/2 mutation carriers’ breast and ovarian cancer risks and their autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The participants were asked about their attitudes toward childbearing through preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Results Of the participants who initially wanted to marry, the assumption that they or their partners had BRCA1/2 mutation caused 25.3% to no longer want to get married and 36.2% to change their attitude from wanting to bear children to no longer wanting them. Females were more likely than males to change their attitudes toward marriage and childbearing. The participants who had negative attitudes toward genetic testing were more likely to change their attitudes regarding marriage and childbearing than those who were favorable toward both disclosure and testing. More than 50% of the participants who did not want children were willing to bear children through PGD when it was assumed that they were BRCA mutation carriers. Conclusion On the assumption of being carriers, general, young, and healthy females were more likely than males to negatively change their attitudes toward marriage and childbearing. Public education on the implications of living with mutation carriers and reproductive options may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Daerim St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Boyoung Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongwon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Kim
- Department of Surgery, Daerim St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bom-Yi Lee
- Department of Surgery, Daerim St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junghyun Yoon
- Department of Health Sciences, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Won Kim
- Department of Surgery, Daerim St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Decision-making for Risk-reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in Southeast Asian BRCA Mutation Carriers With Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study. Int J Behav Med 2021; 29:1-13. [PMID: 33791992 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-09984-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The uptake of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in Asian countries is variable despite being the most effective option for ovarian cancer risk reduction in BRCA mutation carriers. Exploration of factors which may impact the RRSO decision-making of BRCA mutation carriers from Malaysia, a developing country in Southeast Asia, was undertaken. METHODS In-depth interviews with 28 Malaysian BRCA mutation carriers with a history of breast cancer were conducted in addition to observing their RRSO decision-making consultations in the clinic. RESULTS The decision-making considerations among the carriers were centered around the overarching theme of "Negotiating cancer risk and womanhood priorities," with the following themes: (1) risk perception, (2) self-preservation, (3) motherhood obligation, and (4) the preciousness of marriage. Cognitive knowledge of BRCA risk was often conceptualized based on personal and family history of cancer, personal beliefs, and faith. Many women reported fears that RRSO would affect them physically and emotionally, worrying about the post-surgical impact on their motherhood responsibilities. Nevertheless, some reported feeling obliged to choose RRSO for the sake of their children. For some, their husband's support and approval were critical, with emotional well-being and sexuality reportedly perceived as important to sustaining married life. Despite reporting hesitancy toward RRSO, women's decisions about choosing this option evolved as their priorities changed at different stages of life. CONCLUSIONS Recognizing during clinic encounters with Malaysian women that RRSO decision-making involves negotiating the likelihood of developing cancer with the societal priorities of being a woman, mother, and wife may serve to support their decision-making.
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Shelley AR, McCarthy Veach P, LeRoy B, Redlinger-Grosse K. A Systematized review of experiences of individuals in Arnett's emerging adulthood stage who live with or are at-risk for genetic conditions. J Genet Couns 2020; 29:1059-1080. [PMID: 32146730 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Emerging adulthood, a distinct developmental period between ages 18 and 29 years, comprises five features: identity exploration, experimentation/possibilities, negativity/instability regarding one's outlook, self-focus, and feeling in-between adolescence and adulthood. A growing literature examines the impact of genetic conditions on individuals who chronologically fit the emerging adulthood period. This systematized literature review uses the emerging adulthood theory to determine whether individuals living with or at-risk for a genetic condition experience the features of this period as well as similarities and differences between these two groups. A literature search yielded 1,303 peer-reviewed papers from the 17 years since emerging adulthood theory was published. Ten papers met inclusion criteria-five for those Living With a genetic condition (e.g., cystic fibrosis) and five for those At-Risk for a genetic condition (e.g., hereditary breast and ovarian cancer). Content analysis yielded themes consistent with the five emerging adulthood features for both individuals Living With and At-Risk for genetic conditions. Negativity/instability was most prevalent, and feeling in-between was least prevalent in both groups. Results further suggest unique challenges related to one's genetic conditions/risk with respect to independence (from family, healthcare providers), career/education, relationships/social life, family planning, and life perspective experiences. Salient differences were apparent between the groups in their experiences of the emerging adulthood features. For instance, Living With individuals reported challenges concerning their ongoing physical symptoms, whereas At-Risk individuals reported challenges regarding genetic testing decisions and anticipation of physical symptoms. Thus, emerging adults Living With and At-Risk for genetic conditions appear to experience the main emerging adulthood features, but they face unique challenges related to their genetic conditions/risk. Understanding emerging adults' experiences can aid genetic counselors in addressing their specific concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia McCarthy Veach
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Bonnie LeRoy
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Krista Redlinger-Grosse
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Identification as a Mutation Carrier and Effects on Life According to Experiences of Finnish Male BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers. J Genet Couns 2018; 27:874-884. [DOI: 10.1007/s10897-017-0209-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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The Relationship Between Body Image, Gender, Subjective Norms, and the Decision to Undergo Preventive Mastectomy Among Arab and Jewish BRCA Carriers. Cancer Nurs 2017; 41:255-262. [PMID: 28481778 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carriers for a mutation in BRCA1/2 genes have a high, lifelong risk for developing breast cancer. Preventive mastectomy is considered an effective risk reduction surgery. Many factors might affect the decision to undergo preventive mastectomy, including culture, perceived body image after mastectomy and important others opinion. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate BRCA mutation carriers' decision to undergo preventive mastectomy and the relationship between culture, gender, body image, and the decision. METHODS The study was a cross-sectional design where Arab and Jewish men and women were requested to imagine that they were/their spouse was a BRCA mutation carrier. The sample consisted of 200 participants, 101 Arab and 99 Jews, included 101 women and 99 men. RESULTS The results show a high intention to undergo preventive mastectomy. Being Arab and having a more positive perception of body image after the surgery were connected to more intention to undergo the surgery. Also, those who intended to choose the surgery considered more the opinions of important others. CONCLUSIONS The results point to the importance of partners' involvement in the decision to undergo preventive mastectomy. Also, important others (relatives, friends, and health caregivers) have an impact on the decision. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nurses need to consider cultural aspects of patients considering a decision about whether to undergo preventive mastectomy. Understanding the important others who might influence the decision and including them in the decision process are both essential.
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