Psychosexual responses to BRCA gene mutations in women of childbearing age.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of a BRCA gene mutation presents a dilemma because life-changing medical decisions must be made to prevent breast and ovarian cancer. There is minimal evidence regarding how psychosexual functioning, psychological well-being with regard to body image and sexuality, affects the decision to have prophylactic treatment in women of childbearing age (WCBA; 18-49 years) with a BRCA gene mutation.

PURPOSE: To explore, describe, and interpret the experience of women with a BRCA mutation during the treatment and decision-making process.

METHODOLOGY: A qualitative descriptive design was used to recruit participants online through social media postings and from national and local BRCA support groups. Participants participated in semistructured interviews exploring their experience after BRCA diagnosis. Interpretive descriptive analysis was used to identify themes.

RESULTS: The purposive sample comprised 18 women aged 21-49 years. Four major themes, such as body image, sexuality, femininity, and childbearing/childrearing, were identified that influenced decisions related to the diagnosis and management of a BRCA mutation. All participants voiced that concerns regarding body image and sexuality caused hesitancy in their decision to have prophylactic surgery. Women who had undergone bilateral prophylactic mastectomy were concerned about the impact of the surgery, scarring, breast disfigurement, and the lack of sensation resulting from surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: Psychosexual concerns arise from internal and external influences that significantly affect the decision to undergo prophylactic measures. Therefore, body image, sexuality, and sexual orientation should all be addressed during the decision-making process.

IMPLICATIONS: Provider communication and preparation for realistic surgical outcomes can be improved to assist WCBA throughout the decision-making process and enhance psychosexual functioning.