title: Genetic testing: when prediction generates stigmatization.
abstract: Using grounded theory methodology, this study examined the experiences of six BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers (mean age = 38.5 years). Three types of stigmatization were identified: stigmatization by anticipation, stigmatization through rejection, and stigmatization by affiliation. Participants described potential impacts on their womanhood, felt threatened by others, and revealed fears that their children would inherit their stigmatization. These findings indicate the importance of psychological support in the follow-up of such patients.
authors.affiliation: McGill University, Canada Julia.dimillo@mail.mcgill.ca.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DiMillo
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa, Canada.
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Samson
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa, Canada.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thériault
authors.affiliation: The Ottawa Hospital, Canada.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lowry
authors.affiliation: The Ottawa Hospital, Canada.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Corsini
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa, Canada The Ottawa Hospital, Canada.
authors.forename: Shailendra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa, Canada The Ottawa Hospital, Canada Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tomiak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019313:BRCA1 Protein; D024682:BRCA2 Protein; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D013240:Stereotyping
chemical_list: D019313:BRCA1 Protein; C492913:BRCA1 protein, human; D024682:BRCA2 Protein; C551750:BRCA2 protein, human
keywords: breast cancer; cancer; genetic testing; health psychology; stigma