Toma de decisiones, valores personales e impacto emocional en pacientes con cáncer de mama con mutación genética en BRCA12

Abstract

The people with BRCA 1/2 genes deleterious mutation have a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. These people have emotional reactions and uncertainty about their option. The aim was to assess decision-making, personal values and the emotional impact in these women. An exploratory study was conducted with a design n=1. Genetic studies were perfomed in 180 participants and only 14 were positive, of which four patients met the inclusion criteria. After receiving the result of the genetic mutation, were applied: a) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, b) Impact of Event Scale, c) Decisional Conflict Scale, d) A worksheet created to evaluate the advantages and disadvantage regarding their options and e) A question formulated: "What does it mean to you the results of the genetic study?" The four women presented uncertainty; however, three of them made their decision. Anxiety, hyperarousal and avoidance, as well as guilty and feeling abnormal were found. Survival and reduce the likelihood of a new cancer were the most important values attributed to the option of prophylactic surgeries performed. Conversely, pain and advanced menopause were an important disadvantage regarding the prophylactic surgeries. It is important to identify the psychosocial factors involved in the decision making of this population, in order to design and implement interventions and strategies based on their needs.