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

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.