Learning of your parent's BRCA mutation during adolescence or early adulthood: a study of offspring experiences

• DOI: 10.1002/pon.1384
• Publication Date: 2008-08-13T11:13:12Z
• Authors: Angela R. Bradbury; Linda Patrick‐Miller; Kimberly Pawlowski; Comfort N. Ibe; Shelly A. Cummings; Fay Hlubocky; Olufunmilayo I. O...; Christopher K. Da...
• Keywords: BRCA Mutation

Abstract Objective : To examine the experience, comprehension and perceptions of learning a parent's BRCA mutation during adolescence early adulthood, explore impact on offspring's physical psychosocial well‐being. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were completed with 22 adult offspring who learned their prior to age 25 years. Data summarized using qualitative methods response proportions. Results Offspring reports content shared varied; discussion cancer risks genetic testing described more frequently than risk modification strategies. The majority reported good understanding information no negative aspects for this information. Some changing health behaviors after familial mutation; many tobacco users stopped smoking. interest in counseling surrounding parent disclosure adulthood high. Conclusions understand respond adaptively communication cancer, may foster improved young adulthood. Further research is necessary evaluate how conceptualize utilize identify biopsychosocial factors predictive adaptive/maladaptive responses hereditary cancer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.