Table 3 Barriers and benefits to intrafamilial communication
From: Exploring resources for intrafamilial communication of cancer genetic risk: we still need to talk
Themes | Barriers to communication | Benefits to communication |
|---|---|---|
Psychosocial | Concern for individual emotional well-being Range of emotions about impact information may have on family: anxiety, fear, and anger Guilt for passing mutation to child or other family members bringing a mutation into the family being negative where other family members are positive | Benefits for individual emotional well-being: Relieves uncertainty in the family Family members can become a source of support Altruism |
Family dynamic surrounding message delivery No close relationship, uncomfortable Uncertainty about relatives wishes to know or not know Family may react negatively, unpredictably, doubt the veracity of the information, or ask that information may be kept secret Concern about how and when to communicate to children | ||
Long-term consequences for family relationships Stress on family relationships, for example where family members have different feelings about whether to get tested if they receive different results Spouse or partner may feel left out Upsetting for relationship with spouse or partner for planning future children Potential to reveal family secrets such as adoption or paternity Children may not be old enough to get tested, there may be no treatment or preventative measures | Long-term consequences for family relationships Positive impact on familial relationships Encourages openness and awareness in family Relationships and family ties can become stronger | |
Medical | Improved access to medical care for family members WHO Facilitates access to identification, screening, and treatment of at-risk family members | |
WHEN Earlier diagnosis and improved prognosis, for relatives with cancer Prevent misdiagnosis | ||
Lifestyle | Opportunity to make informed choices for family members Allows family members to make lifestyle changes and risk reduction measures Provides family members the opportunity to take advantage of future improvements in cancer detection, treatment, and prevention Assists in family planning |
