abstract
PURPOSE:
Most
women from BRCA1/2 mutation-positive families who did not inherit the
familial mutation have breast and ovarian cancer risks similar to those
of women of the same age in the general population. However, recent
studies suggest that some of these noncarriers may exhibit screening
practices that may be considered as excessive compared to general
population screening guidelines. Reasons for such tendencies remain
largely unknown. This study aims to better understand how the
implications of a noncarrier status are explained to these women and how
their own realization of this status affects their screening behaviors.
METHODS:
A qualitative study was conducted with five focus groups (
n = 28) in Quebec City and Montreal, Canada.
RESULTS:
Thematic
analysis of the discussions highlighted four major themes: (i)
acquiring a noncarrier identity takes place progressively; (ii)
noncarriers show a range of opinions about screening; (iii) noncarriers
have mixed feelings about the follow-up by their physicians and
gynecologists; and (iv) noncarriers need more information in a context
where genetics progresses ever more rapidly.
CONCLUSION:
Our results provide novel insights regarding the physician-patient
interaction and the organizational aspects of the health-care system
that may significantly impact the cancer screening practices of BRCA1/2
noncarriers
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