The Search for an Explanation: Breast Cancer in the Context of Genetic Inheritance

Authors

Christine Maheu, University of British ColumbiaFollow

Abstract

This case study is an in-depth examination of how Erika (a pseudonym) interpreted and understood her genetic test results for breast cancer susceptibility. Her experience is presented in the form of a biography, which was built from key passages retrieved from the semi structured interview the author conducted at Erikas home. The interview data showed that Erikas interpretation and understanding of her inconclusive test results were embedded in her own and her familys experiences with breast cancer. Her interpretation of her test results was influenced by perception of risk for future breast cancers for herself and her family, as well as from the continued etiological uncertainty of her current breast cancer. Although unfinished, Erikas experience of receiving inconclusive genetic test results for breast cancer susceptibility provides examples of possible universal themes within the experience of others who receive similar test results.

Keywords

Breast Cancer, Genetic Testing, Life Experience, Inconclusive, and Qualitative Research

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Erika for her generosity in sharing her story.

Publication Date

3-1-2009

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2009.1396

Recommended APA Citation

Maheu, C. (2009). The Search for an Explanation: Breast Cancer in the Context of Genetic Inheritance. The Qualitative Report, 14(1), 129-139. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2009.1396