Breast cancer genetic mutation: Synthesis of women's experience

Abstract

Testing positive for a BRCA genetic mutation puts women at an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer .It is estimated that women with BRCA1 gene mutation have a 40% to 87% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a 22% to 65% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. For women who have a BRCA2 mutation, the risk is estimated in the region of 18% to 87% lifetime risk for breast cancer and a 10% to 35% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer (Mavaddat et al., 2013). Furthermore, these women have a 50% chance of passing the mutation to their children (National Cancer Institute, 2022).Following confirmation of a BRCA gene mutation, women engage in complex and emotional decision-making regarding risk management. Risk management includes risk-reducing surgery, chemoprevention or ongoing continuous intensive screening (Becker, 2017).