Decision making regarding prophylactic mastectomy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Women's experience of decision making regarding prophylactic mastectomy
IRAS ID
197568
Contact name
Lauren Wright
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Over the last decade the number of women having risk-reducing breast surgery in England has nearly tripled amongst those who do not have an existing diagnosis of breast cancer. This is known as prophylactic mastectomy; where women chose to have one, both or part of their breasts removed in order to reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer across their lifetime. With many medical advances being made, women who have a strong family history of breast cancer can undergo tests to determine their own individual risk so they may make an informed decision about how they would like to proceed.
More recently there have been a number of studies seeking to explore women's satisfaction following prophylactic mastectomy in relation to themes such as body image, breast reconstruction, pain and mental health. Less attention has been paid to exploring how women go about reaching such a significant decision, how they make sense of the experience, what was important and/or influential to them and how such information could be utilised to support others. The current study aims to interview between 4-8 women who have already made the decision to have prophylactic surgery following genetic testing, but prior to having surgery itself. It is hoped that this will also complement previous research carried out by local Clinical Genetic departments, exploring an increase in referrals with reference to new health guidelines, public awareness and more recent media representations.
As more women become aware of, and choose to have, genetic testing, the number of surgery referrals are likely to increase further. If we can gain a greater understanding of the key considerations and implications for women when faced with such choices, in their own words, healthcare services may be able to provide more effective public information/awareness and individualised support to women throughout the process.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0098
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion