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Women's Perceptions of Journeying Toward an Unknown Future With Breast Cancer: The 'Lives at Risk Study'

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 10:31 authored by Rapport, F, Khanom, A, Doel, MA, Hutchings, HA, Bierbaum, M, Anne HogdenAnne Hogden, Shih, P, Braithwaite, J, Clement, C
Breast cancer risk classifications are useful for prognosis, yet little is known of their effect on patients. This study clarified women's understandings of risk as they "journeyed" through the health care system. Breast cancer patients and women undergoing genetic investigation were recruited ( N = 25) from a large UK Health Board, 2014-2015, completing a "Book of Experience," and Bio-photographic elicitation interviews. Stakeholder and Participant Feedback Forums were undertaken with key stakeholders, including patients, oncologists, funders, and policy developers, to inform team understanding. Thematic and visual frameworks from multidisciplinary analysis workshops uncovered two themes: "Subjective Understandings of Risk" and "Journeying Toward an Unknown Future." Breast cancer patients and women undergoing investigation experienced risk intuitively. Statistical formulations were often perplexing, diverting attention away from concrete life-and-death facts. Following risk classification, care must be co-defined to reduce patients' foreboding about an unknown future, taking into consideration personal risk management strategies and aspirations for a cancer-free future.

History

Publication title

Qualitative Health Research

Volume

28

Pagination

30-46

ISSN

1049-7323

Department/School

Australian Institute of Health Service Management (AIHSM)

Publisher

Sage Publications Inc

Place of publication

2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, USA, Ca, 91320

Rights statement

Copyright 2017 The Authors

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Women's and maternal health

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