Emily A Rauscher1, Marleah Dean2. 1. Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. Electronic address: erauscher@tamu.edu. 2. Department of Communication, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine men's approaches to managing BRCA-related cancer risks. METHODS: 25 Qualitative interviews were conducted with men who are at risk for BRCA-related cancers. Thematic analysis was conducted using the constant comparison. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis revealed two different approaches for how men managed their BRCA-related cancer risks. Men were engaged when: (1) initially seeking information, (2) uptake of genetic testing, and (3) population screening procedures. Men were passively avoidant for: (1) follow-up information seeking, (2) uptake of genetic testing, and (3) BRCA-specific screening. Men's justifications for engaged risk management were to: (1) protect their family, (2) respond to encouragement from others, and (3) get knowledge for themselves. Their justifications for passively avoidant management were due to: (1) limited access to clear risk information, (2) little fear of cancer development, (3) barriers to testing/screening, and (4) reliance on incomplete illness representations. CONCLUSIONS: Men at risk for developing BRCA-related cancers approached risk management by primarily using a passive avoidance approach. That approach should be interpreted in context with the inconsistent information available to them, and the minimal NCCN guidelines for their risk surveillance. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Findings may assist healthcare providers and family members in helping men manage their BRCA-related cancer risks.
OBJECTIVE: To examine men's approaches to managing BRCA-related cancer risks. METHODS: 25 Qualitative interviews were conducted with men who are at risk for BRCA-related cancers. Thematic analysis was conducted using the constant comparison. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis revealed two different approaches for how men managed their BRCA-related cancer risks. Men were engaged when: (1) initially seeking information, (2) uptake of genetic testing, and (3) population screening procedures. Men were passively avoidant for: (1) follow-up information seeking, (2) uptake of genetic testing, and (3) BRCA-specific screening. Men's justifications for engaged risk management were to: (1) protect their family, (2) respond to encouragement from others, and (3) get knowledge for themselves. Their justifications for passively avoidant management were due to: (1) limited access to clear risk information, (2) little fear of cancer development, (3) barriers to testing/screening, and (4) reliance on incomplete illness representations. CONCLUSIONS:Men at risk for developing BRCA-related cancers approached risk management by primarily using a passive avoidance approach. That approach should be interpreted in context with the inconsistent information available to them, and the minimal NCCN guidelines for their risk surveillance. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Findings may assist healthcare providers and family members in helping men manage their BRCA-related cancer risks.
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