Learning about a twist in the road: perspectives of at-risk relatives learning of potential for cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the experiences of women who accessed the Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) Web site after learning of a family BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.


METHODS
Interpretive phenomenology based on Heideggerian hermeneutics.


METHODS
Telephone interviews of women living in the United States who accessed FORCE.


METHODS
A purposive sample of eight women aged 19-47 years.


METHODS
Team interpretation using Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner's seven-step process.


METHODS
Experience of family communication of BRCA results.


RESULTS
Women described (a) finding out, (b) unexpected feelings, (c) mulling it over, (d) finding support, (e) seeking direction from healthcare professionals, (f) redefining future possibilities, and (g) navigating a twist in the road.


CONCLUSIONS
Many healthcare professionals are not prepared to address genetic risk. Some women who learned of potential risk experienced turmoil as potential risk for cancer unfolded. They felt isolated and unsupported by healthcare providers. They desired assistance in navigating the healthcare system to protect their future health.


CONCLUSIONS
Healthcare professionals have important roles in (a) assessing support networks of individuals seeking BRCA testing, (b) providing anticipatory guidance on risk communication, (c) remaining sensitive to the impact of seeing cancer as a future possibility, (d) allowing time for individuals to process such news, (e) assessing the psychosocial impact of news of a family BRCA mutation, and (f) providing referrals for support and health needs. Women desire decision support from healthcare providers. Future research should examine cancer risk communication in diverse groups of women.
Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY, USA. crotser_cheryl@roberts.edu
Cheryl B
CB
Crotser
Suzanne S
SS
Dickerson
D000328:Adult; D004644:Emotions; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult