Date of Award

Spring 2-11-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PhD Nursing

Department

Nursing

Advisor

Bonnie Sturm, EdD, RN

Committee Member

Nancy Innella, PhD

Committee Member

Joyce Maglione, PhD

Keywords

Genetic testing, Genetic counseling, Latinas, BRCA1/2, qualitative

Abstract

Healthy women with BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) or BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene 2), (henceforth, BRCA1/2 mutation) without a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer (unaffected), have up to 80% increased lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, and up to 40% increased lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. Genetic counseling and testing based upon family history is essential to diagnose genetic mutations increasing one’s risk for certain cancers. Latinas have the second highest prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutations after Ashkenazi Jewish women, and cancer is now the leading cause of death among Latinos, surpassing cardiovascular disease. However, no qualitative study has been published in which interviews have been conducted with Latinas once a genetic mutation has been identified. The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of genetic testing among Latinas diagnosed with BRCA1/2 mutation. Thorne’s (2016) method of Interpretive Description will provide a framework to this qualitative inquiry. New knowledge describing Latinas’ experiences will have clinical implications to help address cancer disparities in genetic testing and counseling. This research will fill a gap in the women’s health literature and will inform nursing research, education, and clinical practice.

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