Coming to Terms with the Risk of Breast Cancer: Perceptions of Women with Primary Relatives with Breast Cancer

Abstract

The goal of this study was to explore and describe the meaning of the risk experience in women with primary relatives with breast cancer (mother, sister, mother and sister, and mother and other primary relative). An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted using semistructured, in-depth, tape-recorded interviews as the primary data collection method. Fifty-five women formed the sample. Data were analyzed using qualitative analysis procedures. Women's descriptions of their experiences revealed that their perceptions of being "at risk" and their self-care practices developed over time. Developing a personal view of risk occurred in three phases: living the breast cancer experience of the relative(s), developing a risk perception, and putting risk in its place. The phases and their related components are described in detail.