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The Prophylactic Mastectomy Dilemma: A Support Group for Women at High Genetic Risk for Breast Cancer
Author(s) -
Karp Jane,
Brown Karen L.,
Sullivan Margaret D.,
Massie Mary Jane
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1023/a:1022834706495
Subject(s) - prophylactic mastectomy , breast cancer , spouse , mastectomy , medicine , genetic counseling , support group , anxiety , genetic testing , multidisciplinary approach , family medicine , clinical psychology , gynecology , cancer , psychiatry , social science , sociology , biology , anthropology , genetics
The goal of this pilot study was to test the usefulness of a six session psychoeducational support group for women at high genetic risk for breast cancer who were considering prophylactic mastectomy. The themes of the group sessions included overestimation of and anxiety about risk; desire for “hard data”; the emotional impact of watching a mother die of breast cancer; concerns about spouse reactions; self‐ and body image; the decision‐making process; and confusion over whom to trust in decision making. Both the participants and the multidisciplinary leaders concluded that as a supplement to individual counseling, a support group is a beneficial and cost‐effective treatment modality. Recommendations for the optimal format for such a group are described.