Identifying Needs: a Qualitative Study of women’s Experiences Regarding Rapid Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in the DNA BONus Study

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• 作者：Mirjam Tonheim Augestad ; Hildegunn Høberg-Vetti…
• 关键词：Rapid genetic testing ; BRCA 1/2 ; Genetic information ; Newly ; diagnosed breast and ovarian cancer ; Personalized support and counselling
• 刊名：Journal of Genetic Counseling
• 出版年：2017
• 出版时间：February 2017
• 年：2017
• 卷：26
• 期：1
• 页码：182-189
• 全文大小：325KB
• 刊物类别：Biomedical and Life Sciences
• 刊物主题：Human Genetics; Public Health; Clinical Psychology; Gynecology; Ethics;
• 出版者：Springer US
• ISSN：1573-3599
• 卷排序：26

文摘

Genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer is increasingly being offered in newly diagnosed breast and ovarian cancer patients. This genetic information may influence treatment decisions. However, there are some concerns that genetic testing offered in an already vulnerable situation might be an extra burden to these women. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women who had been offered and accepted genetic testing when newly diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. Four semi-structured focus-group interviews were conducted with 17 women recruited from a Norwegian multicenter study. The material was condensed, and conventional qualitative analysis was used to identify patterns in the participants’ descriptions. Three core themes were identified: 1) being “beside oneself” 2) altruism and ethical dilemmas 3) the need for support and counselling to assist the decision process. The present study indicates that women who are offered genetic testing when newly diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer want a consultation with a health professional. Personalized support and counselling might empower women to improve their ability to manage and comprehend this overwhelming situation, and find meaning in this experience.