Decision Making for Breast/Ovarian Cancer Risk-Reducing Surgery

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to explore risk-reducing surgery decisions, a process for surgery decision making, and reasons for surgery decisions in at-risk women who underwent BRCA testing. Methods: 107 women completed a survey on surgery decisions, decision making processes, and reasons for surgery decisions. BRCA test results were accessed from participants' genetic counselors. Results: Most participants had a history of breast cancer, two or more risk factors for breast/ovarian cancer, and a negative BRCA test result. 47.7% had or planned to have surgery, 40.2% decided against surgery, and 12.1% were undecided. The main reason that participants decided on surgery was the information they were provided with on personal risk, genetic testing results, and the surgery's irreversible nature. Of the participants making a definitive decision, 43% did so by comparing the surgery's advantages with its disadvantages. Decisions were significantly associated with occupation and age. Conclusion: To make their decision, participants used decision making processes such as the advantages and disadvantages of surgery, BRCA test results, and professional opinion. The findings may be useful for understanding surgery decisions of at-risk women and developing strategies for assisting women's decisions for risk-reducing surgery.