Factors Influencing Uptake of Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy By Brca1 and Brca2 Mutation Carriers

<p>Germline mutations in the <em>BRCA1</em> and <em>BRCA2</em> genes are associated with significantly increased risks for ovarian cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) currently recommends that female BRCA mutation carriers undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) after age 35; however, not all women elect this option. The purpose of this study was to prospectively survey women with BRCA mutations currently undergoing ovarian cancer screening about their intention to have an RRSO and the various factors influencing their decision. Of the 26 women who completed our survey, 26 (100%, CI: 86.8-100) plan to undergo an RRSO in their lifetime. The average woman reported 6.7 motivations and 2.9 barriers to RRSO, indicating that in our population women tend to have more reasons for electing, rather than avoiding, this surgery. We further found that while most women appeared to share the same motivations for surgery, they often had unique barriers that were not common to others. The most important reasons in favor of surgery included a desire to reduce one’s risk for ovarian cancer and live longer for family members. The most important barrier to RRSO was fear of the symptoms related to menopause. We believe these results will assist healthcare providers when discussing the option of RRSO with BRCA mutation carriers undergoing ovarian cancer screening.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Masters of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (MS)

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Breen, Victoria E

Contributors dc:contributor

• Molly Daniels
• Denise Nebgen
• Charlotte Sun

• BRCA1
• BRCA2
• risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy
• decision making
• hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
• Medical Genetics
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Surgical Procedures, Operative

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/utgsbs_dissertations/660

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu:utgsbs_dissertations-1703