Mammographic screening is offered to many women under 50 in the UK who are at moderate or high risk of developing breast cancer because of their family history of the disease. Little is understood about the impact of screening on the emotional well-being of women with a family history of breast cancer. This qualitative study explores the value that women at increased risk placed on screening, both pre- and post-cancer diagnosis and the impact of the diagnosis. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 12 women, aged 35-50, diagnosed with breast cancer while on an annual mammographic screening programme. Women described the strong sense of reassurance gained from screening prior to diagnosis. This faith in screening was reinforced by early detection of their cancer. Reactions to diagnosis ranged from devastation to relief at having finally developed a long-expected condition. Despite their positive attitudes about screening, not all women wanted to continue with surveillance. For some, prophylactic mastectomy was preferable, to reduce future cancer risk and to alleviate anxieties about the detection of another cancer at each subsequent screen. This study illustrates the positive yet diverse attitudes towards mammographic screening in this group of women with a family history of breast cancer.

Using this checklist read and evaluate the article “Diagnosed with Breast Cancer While on a Family History Screening Programme: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.”

Journal Subset:

Core Nursing; Europe; Nursing; Peer Reviewed; UK & Ireland

Special Interest:

Oncologic Care

ISSN:

0961-5423

MEDLINE Info:

PMID: 18419627 NLM UID: 9301979

Grant Information:

Supported by Cancer Research UK, grant number C73/A2916

Entry Date:

20080704

Revision Date:

20150819

Accession Number:

105755005

Publisher Logo: