INFORMATION, SUPPORT, AND COMMUNICATION NEEDS OF WOMEN WITH A FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST-CANCER

In this article the role of information, support, and communication in promoting adaptation to the risk of breast cancer is reported. These variables emerged from an in-depth study, of women at risk for breast cancer because of breast cancer in one or more of their primary (first degree) relatives. Fifty-five women with mothers, sisters, mother and sister, or mother and another primary relative were interviewed using in-depth semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews. After transcripti on, data were analyzed using qualitative analysis procedures. A three- phase process of adaptation to the risk of breast cancer was uncovered which was subsequently, validated with two study participants. Inform ation, support, and communication emerged as important factors in faci litating the adjustment of women throughout the three phases of the pr ocess. as women ''lived'' the breast cancer experience of their relati ve as they developed a perception of their personal risk for breast ca ncer, and finally as they put the risk of breast cancer ''in its place .'' Despite the importance of information and support, most women had difficulty meeting these needs. Also, communication patterns both with in the family and with health professionals were generally not helpful for these women. Issues related to the ill relative as ''manager'' of cancer-related information, the ''ownership style'' of the woman at r isk, and the accessibility and availability of resources influenced wo men's adaptation to feelings of risk. Women's needs for information, s upport, and communication and facilitating factors are described in de tail, and recommendations for clinical practice and research offered.