Heightened perception of breast cancer risk in young women at risk of familial breast cancer

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the factors that influence perceived personal risk of developing breast cancer (BC) in younger women (<35) who are considering or have undergone bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM). Qualitative interviews guided by interpretative phenomenological analysis were conducted with 46 women who had a strong family history of BC and had either undergone (n = 26) or were considering (n = 20) BPM. Participants were recruited from Australia and New Zealand via hospitals, a genetics clinic, a research cohort, a registry and online. Three main themes were identified: information that increases fear of BC and death, underlying anxiety and fear and screening anxiety. A further two themes: relief following surgery and confusion about residual risk following surgery were identified. Younger women (<35) appeared to have heightened and sometimes inaccurate perceptions of their BC risk. They appeared less relieved of anxiety and fear of developing BC by BPM surgery, in comparison to previous research with older women (>40). Those who had undergone BPM seemed more anxious about their risk of developing BC than those who were still considering surgery. This research has important implications for practice, particularly improving communication of accurate risk statistics. Future research should examine why some women interpret information differently and explore the benefits of psychological consultation for very anxious women.

Perceived influence of psychological consultation on psychological well‐being, body image, and intimacy following bilateral prophylactic mastectomy: A qualitative analysis

“…Findings presented in the current article are part of a larger study concerning BPM. Findings in relation to decision‐making and risk perception have been published, and other findings will be reported in future publications. For the purposes of the present study, the main finding was that younger women (<35) who underwent psychological consultation prior to BPM appeared to have improved psychological well‐being, body image, and intimacy post‐surgery compared with women who did not receive consultation.…”

“…The interviews covered a range of topics in relation to BPM including, decision‐making, risk perception, well‐being, informational needs, body image, sexuality, intimacy, and psychological support. Data concerning decision‐making and risk perception have been published . Interview questions concerning psychological consultation, well‐being, body image, and intimacy are the focus of this article.…”

“…Data concerning decision-making and risk perception have been published. 24,25 Interview questions concerning psychological consultation, well-being, body image, and intimacy are the focus of this article. Participants provided written informed consent before the interview and were given contact details of the study team, cancer council helpline, and a clinical psychologist in case the interview caused distress or raised concerns.…”

Predictors and interdependence of family support in a random sample of long‐term young breast cancer survivors and their biological relatives

“…Although biological female relatives have an elevated risk for breast cancer, they may not always cope with this risk and manage it effectively. Young women with a strong family history may have heightened perceptions of breast cancer risk, chronic depression, anxiety, and increased breast cancer worry . Family members are an important source of information about risk factors, genetics, and available screening and risk‐reducing strategies, especially for women from medically underserved communities .…”

“…Young women with a strong family history may have heightened perceptions of breast cancer risk, chronic depression, anxiety, and increased breast cancer worry. [9][10][11] Family members are an important source of information about risk factors, genetics, and available screening and risk-reducing strategies, especially for women from medically underserved communities. 12 Multiple family members are likely to be involved, directly or indirectly, in appraisals regarding the magnitude of the health threat and the availability of coping resources.…”