The Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviours of Young Women Who Familial Cancer History: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study purpose was to determine the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of young women who familial cancer history. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative study. The criterion sampling method, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used to determine the study group of the study. The study was conducted at a state university in Turkey. Between April and May 2019, 12 volunteer young women aged 17-24 were included in the study. Results: The qualitative data were subjected to content analysis, and the main themes were determined. In the content analysis of the interviews, 7 main themes were determined: fear, coping methods, risk perception, carcinophobia, spirituality, healthy lifestyle behaviors, role change. It was observed that the participants frequently used statements that genetic predisposition and stress are risk factors for cancer, cancer negatively affects roles and responsibilities, and they believed the importance of early diagnosis. In this study, young women with a family history of breast and/or gynecological cancer were found to have higher cancer risk perceptions. Conclusion: The familial cancer history, especially when managed well in high-risk populations, contributes to individuals to acquire healthy lifestyle behaviors and gain the ability to make conscious decisions. Healthcare professionals can play vital roles in presenting needed knowledge about breast / gynecological cancers and raising awareness in women.