title: The experience of women carriers of BRCA mutations following risk-reducing surgery: A cultural perspective.
abstract: In this qualitative study, we examine the experience of 13 Jewish Israeli women carriers of BRCA mutations following risk-reducing surgery. Thematic analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interview texts yielded three themes: (a) dialectic of vulnerability and control, (b) presentation of self as a "normal" woman, and (c) genetic chain of negative life events and guilt. Aspects of Israeli culture impacting participants' experiences are: personal and collective responsibility, the shift toward consumerism, and pro-natal ideology. The findings may be useful for health practitioners working with other nationalities with similar cultural characteristics and to prompt practitioners to explore their own and their patients' perceptions regarding women's risk-reducing surgery and genetic illnesses.
authors.affiliation: a School of Social Work, Ariel University , Ariel , Israel.
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mahat-Shamir
authors.affiliation: a School of Social Work, Ariel University , Ariel , Israel.
authors.forename: Chaya
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Possick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D000073116:Cancer Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D006167:Guilt; D061325:Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D007599:Judaism; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research