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This paper explores patients' views and experiences of undergoing treatment-focused BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing (TFGT), either offered following triaging to clinical genetics (breast cancer) or as part of a mainstreamed care pathway in oncology (ovarian cancer). Drawing on 26 in-depth interviews with patients with breast or ovarian cancer who had undergone TFGT, this retrospective study examines patients' views of genetic testing at this point in their care pathway, focusing on issues, such as initial response to the offer of testing, motivations for undergoing testing, and views on care pathways. Patients were amenable to the incorporation of TFGT at an early stage in their cancer care irrespective of (any) prior anticipation of having a genetic test or family history. While patients were glad to have been offered TFGT as part of their care, some questioned the logic of the test's timing in relation to their cancer treatment. Crucially, patients appeared unable to disentangle the treatment role of TFGT from its preventative function for self and other family members, suggesting that some may undergo TFGT to obtain information for others rather than for self.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s10897-018-0261-5

Type

Journal article

Journal

Journal of genetic counseling

Publication Date

11/05/2018

Volume

27

Pages

1459 - 1472

Addresses

Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Rm 3.734, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK. S.J.Wright@ed.ac.uk.