Request for interview with women ages 18-39 who have tested positive for the BRCA 1 and 2 genes
My name is Sharlene Hesse-Biber and I am a Sociologist and Professor at Boston College.
I am conducting a study on women who have tested positive for the BRCA 1 and 2 genes. I hope to address the issue of why women seek this genetic testing and how they respond to a positive result, as well as the roles that other people in their lives play throughout the pre- and post- testing process.
I would like to set up a time to explore your experiences with genetic testing for the BRCA 1 and 2 genes. Such an interview would take about a half hour. Your participation in this research is completely voluntary, and if you choose to participate, you may withdraw from the study at any point throughout the project. I can interview you over the phone or if you are in commuting distance I can interview you in person.
I would also like to take a moment to tell you a little more about the study. I aim to address a current lack of research on women’s experiences with genetic testing for the genes linked to breast cancer and their responses to a positive result. Some of the questions we will explore are:
- How do women seek genetic testing for breast cancer?
- What is the lived experience of women who have received a positive result? How is this affected if they have a family history of breast cancer?
- What decisions, if any, do they make once they have a positive result? Is there a difference between their immediate and long-term decisions?
- What role do their immediate family network, close friends, and co-workers play in their decision to get tested and in their post-testing experience?
If you are interested in participating in this study, please email me at hesse@bc.edu. I am also happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Sharlene Hesse-Biber
Professor, Department of Sociology, Boston College
Director, Women’s and Gender Studies Program, Boston College
Myriad Genetics vs. the people
BRCA NEWSWORTHY
It’s not over yet, but right now the courts have ruled for the people! My favorite article thus far is: click here to follow the link:
Invalidation of gene patents will benefit patients
The article was written 4/3/10 & comes from the website: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100403/Invalidation-of-gene-patents-will-benefit-patients.aspx
If the ruling is upheld genetic testing & diagnosis will be open to more companies. Competition will put more players into the field & hopefully will be beneficial for patients.