Factors influencing risk reduction surgery among BRCA mutation carriers: A qualitative analysis.

Abstract

53 Background: Women known to carry deleterious mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a substantially increased lifetime risk to develop breast and ovarian cancer. Current risk management options include increased surveillance, chemoprevention and risk reducing surgery. Several studies have quantitatively evaluated the reasoning of high risk women for electing surgical intervention, noting mutation carrier status as a significant, but not sole rationale for this decision. The decision for surgery has also been associated with family cancer history, anxiety, demographics, healthcare setting and prior counseling. More insights regarding factors influencing women’s choice for risk reduction are needed. Methods: To further assess factors influencing the decision to have risk reduction surgery among women in a community hospital system, 129 BRCA mutation carriers in a community-based genetic counseling program were invited to participate in a qualitative study using questionnaires. A thematic analysis was performed by two independent reviewers on open dialogue responses. Results: Of the 59 respondents, 54 completed the question specifically addressing factors regarding the decision on surgery. Of them, 32 opted for mastectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy or both and 22 opted against surgical risk reduction. Themes emerging in support of surgery included: vicarious experience attributable to a strong family history of cancer; desire for control over risk through surgical intervention; high risk perception; co-morbidities; desire for living, regarding longevity and for loved ones; fear of cancer; and skepticism related to cancer detection methods. For women opting against surgery, themes included: co-morbidities; age (too old/young); incomplete childbearing; logistics (scheduling, finances); lack of disease; and skepticism in effectiveness of surgery. Conclusions: While various factors have been studied regarding the association with or probability of women’s decisions for risk reduction surgery, a deeper comprehension of women’s reasoning can be attained through qualitative analysis. This understanding may enhance health care providers’ ability to counsel women regarding this choice.