Abstract
Background. Little research is available comparing differences in cancer risk perceptions between cancer survivors and family members at risk for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer. Methods. Qualitative focus groups with survivor-female relative dyads (N = 39) were conducted. Results. Important differences exist between the concerns of survivors and family members relevant to their cancer risk. Survivors focused on their own concerns from a personal perspective, whereas family members focused on the survivors' health and tended to suppress their own fears of cancer. Specific recommendations for inclusion of family members in cancer risk education are provided. Conclusions. Addressing family member differences is critical to tailor specific risk information inclusive of the entire family. J Cancer Educ. 2007; 22:168–173.
Supported by The Barbara and Fred Erb Endowed Chair in Cancer Genetics to M.A. Tainsky and research funds from the Karmanos Cancer Institute. The findings from this research resulted in an award from the National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, R21 NR008584-01.