Ross, E, Swallow, J, Kerr, A orcid.org/0000-0002-9958-301X et al. (1 more author) (2019) Online accounts of gene expression profiling in early-stage breast cancer: interpreting genomic testing for chemotherapy decision-making. Health Expectations, 22 (1). pp. 74-82. ISSN 1369-6513
Abstract
Background
Genomic techniques are being developed within oncology and beginning to be experienced within routine cancer care. Little is known about how these tools feature in patients’ experiences of treatment decision making.
Objective
This research explores the ways in which women interpret and discuss gene expression profiling for breast cancer treatment decision making, as articulated within online accounts.
Design
This study used a qualitative approach to analyse written exchanges focusing on gene expression profiling in the UK (Oncotype DX test). Accounts are taken from online forums hosted by two UK cancer charity websites, comprising 132 discussion threads from a total of seven forums. Authors qualitatively analysed the data and developed key themes drawing on existing literature from medical sociology.
Findings
Women used online spaces to share and discuss results of gene expression profiling. Women interpreted results in the context of indirect experience of cancer treatment, and sociocultural depictions of cancer and chemotherapy. Users largely represented the test positively, emphasizing its ability to “personalize” treatment pathways, though many also pointed to inherent uncertainties with regards the possibility of cancer recurrence.
Discussion and Conclusions
We highlight the complex contexts in which genomic techniques are experienced, with these shaped by personal biographies, online environments and pervasive cultural narratives of cancer and its treatment. We highlight tensions between the claims of genomic testing to aid treatment decision making and patient reflections on the capability of these techniques to resolve uncertainties surrounding treatment decisions.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2018 The Authors. Health Expectations published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Keywords: | breast cancer, chemotherapy, decision making, gene expression profiling, internet research, sociology |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Law (Leeds) > School of Sociology and Social Policy (Leeds) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number Wellcome Trust 104832/Z/14/Z |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 29 Nov 2018 10:51 |
Last Modified: | 25 Jun 2023 21:37 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/hex.12832 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:139321 |