This is the abstract from our previous study with BRCA positive women. This was written by Dr. Sharlene Hesse-Biber and submitted to the peer-reviewed Qualitative Health Research Journal. We are currently looking to learn more about diverse populations, but this article can give you a sense of our overall project. The article is called "The Genetic Testing Experience of BRCA Positive Women: Deciding Between Surveillance and Surgery" ABSTRACT Through selected in-depth cases studies of women who have tested positive for the BRCA genetic mutation for breast and/or ovarian cancer, this research uses a feminist standpoint lens to understand the process by which BRCA positive women come to socially construct and understand their risk for developing breast and/or ovarian cancer and the treatment options they undergo post-testing. We provide case studies of (1) women who seek surveillance and do not have preventative surgeries and (2) women who opt for surgical intervention by having their breasts and/or ovaries removed. BRCA positive women re-frame their statistical medical risk for getting cancer and their decisions about the type of treatment to pursue post-testing by making decisions within a broad socio-cultural context of engagement including their social network of family, friends, and increasing online relationships. These social network engagements serve as a “nexus of decision making" that does not mirror the medical assessment of statistical odds of their cancer risk or the specific treatment protocol framed by the medical establishment. We found that a high level of perceived socio-cultural support and understanding among those in their social network often serves to make their treatment decision-making process an empowering experience, whether they elect surveillance or surgery.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:36:01 +0000