A qualitative reflexive thematic analysis into the experiences of being identified with a BRCA1/2 gene alteration: "So many little, little traumas could have been avoided".
BMC Health Serv Res 2022;
22:1007. [PMID:
35933387 PMCID:
PMC9357316 DOI:
10.1186/s12913-022-08372-w]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
BRCA1/2 alterations increase females’ lifetime breast cancer risk to 40 – 90%, ovarian cancer to 10 – 60%, and males’ lifetime prostate cancer risk to ~ 10 – 25%. Psychosocial issues such as heightened distress can, therefore, occur in this population. This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences and needs of the BRCA1/2 alteration population in navigating cancer risk reduction measures.
Method
This study aimed to explore the experiences and identify the needs of 18 BRCA1/2 alteration carriers, recruited through strategic sampling. A public and patient panel (N = 6) collaborated on study development. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Two themes were identified: (i) Healthcare Services as a Burden to Navigate, and (ii) Burden Experienced Through Interactions with Healthcare Professionals. Results indicated uncertainty regarding care pathways, alongside a lack of relevant information. Participants felt unsupported by healthcare professionals, and as though healthcare professionals often perceive them as a burden.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that the quality of interactions in healthcare systems are of relevance to the BRCA1/2 alteration population, and that uncertainty surrounding access to services and information is prevalent. The establishment of specialist hereditary cancer clinics could reduce such burden.
Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08372-w.
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