Conditions and consequences of a BRCA mutation in young, single women of childbearing age.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the experiences of young, single women who are at increased risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) because of a BRCA mutation.


METHODS
Qualitative.


METHODS
Seven states and Canada.


METHODS
11 single women aged 18-35 years who tested positive for a BRCA mutation.


METHODS
Grounded theory with in-depth individual interviews conducted via e-mail or telephone.


RESULTS
Analysis resulted in three conditions and three consequences. Conditions were dating or not dating, time in a relationship, and physical impact of surgery or breast cancer treatment. Consequences were explaining their choices, experiencing a sense of urgency, and experiencing a sense of loss.


CONCLUSIONS
Young women who are at risk for HBOC face a complex array of decisions after finding out that they carry a BRCA mutation. Being single and childless adds to this complexity.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses can listen to young women with HBOC risk, help them clarify their fears and understanding of their risk, and provide nonthreatening support that goes beyond simply providing more information and includes a nonjudgmental understanding of the young women's experience.
Hamilton
Rebekah
R
Department of Women, Children, and Family Nursing in the College of Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA. rebekah_hamilton@rush.edu
Hurley
Karen E
KE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012847:Single Person / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult