YOU DONT WANT TO LOSE YOUR OVARIES BECAUSE YOU THINK I MIGHT BECOME AMAN - WOMENS PERCEPTIONS OF PROPHYLACTIC SURGERY AS A CANCER RISK MANAGEMENT OPTION
N. Hallowell, YOU DONT WANT TO LOSE YOUR OVARIES BECAUSE YOU THINK I MIGHT BECOME AMAN - WOMENS PERCEPTIONS OF PROPHYLACTIC SURGERY AS A CANCER RISK MANAGEMENT OPTION, Psycho-oncology, 7(3), 1998, pp. 263-275
This preliminary study provides insight into the meaning of prophylact
ic surgery as a risk management strategy for women who have a familial
risk of breast or ovarian cancer. Data were collected during observat
ions of genetic consultations and in semi-structured interviews with 4
1 women following their attendance at genetic counselling. The option
of prophylactic surgery was raised in 29 consultations and discussed i
n 35 of the post-clinic interviews. Fifteen women said they would cons
ider having an oophorectomy in the future and nine said they would con
sider having a mastectomy. The implications of undergoing oophorectomy
and mastectomy were discussed during the post-clinic interviews. Prop
hylactic surgery was described by the counsellees as providing individ
uals with a means to fa) fulfil their obligations to other family memb
ers and (b) reduce risk and contain their fear of cancer. The costs of
this form of risk management, were described as: (a) compromising soc
ial obligations; (b) upsetting the natural balance of the body; (c) no
t offering protection from cancer; (d) operative and post-operative co
mplications; (e) the onset of menopause (f) the effects on body image,
gender and personal identity and (g) potential effects on sexual rela
tionships. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.