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