Concerns and recommendations regarding inherited cancer risk: the perspectives of survivors and female relatives.
BACKGROUND
Little research is available comparing differences in cancer risk perceptions between cancer survivors and family members at risk for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer.


METHODS
Qualitative focus groups with survivor-female relative dyads (N = 39) were conducted.


RESULTS
Important differences exist between the concerns of survivors and family members relevant to their cancer risk. Survivors focused on their own concerns from a personal perspective, whereas family members focused on the survivors' health and tended to suppress their own fears of cancer. Specific recommendations for inclusion of family members in cancer risk education are provided.


CONCLUSIONS
Addressing family member differences is critical to tailor specific risk information inclusive of the entire family.
Mellon
Suzanne
S
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI 48219-0900, USA. mellonsk@udmercy.edu
Berry-Bobovski
Lisa
L
Gold
Robin
R
Levin
Nancy
N
Tainsky
Michael A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*