• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2011

Purpose: Sharing genetic information with family members is important for cancer awareness and prevention. The purpose of this study is to examine disclosure patterns of positive BRCA genetic test results to patients' relatives. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 probands who had positive BRCA genetic test results from the Korean Hereditary Breast Cancer Study participated in our study. Subjects were asked whether they had disclosed their genetic test results to first-, second-, and third-degree relatives. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with positive result sharing with close and distant relatives. Results: In total, 99 respondents (93.4%) informed at least one at-risk relative of the test result, and they all reported that they had disclosed their genetic test result to a first-degree relative. Communication of test results to other relatives occurred significantly less often, with only 31 of 99 subjects (31.3%) sharing their results with second- or third-degree relatives. In the results of univariate analyses, disclosure of genetic test results to more distant relatives was associated with marital status and months since post-test counseling. The reasons for communication were to provide information about the BRCArelated cancer risk and to recommend the genetic test. Conclusion: Most individuals with the BRCA mutation share their test results with first-degree family members; however, these results reach more distant relatives significantly less often. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage patients' communication with extended family members through systematic genetic counseling.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.566-573
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• 2002

In this paper, dielectric characteristics of pathological tissues cultivated using the xenograft method were analyzed. Since cancerous tissues were extracted from the nude mouse just before the measurements, they were maintained as fresh as living tissues in the measurements. This would be one of the advantages to get more accurate and reliable results. Dielectric properties of four cancerous tissues such as brain cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and gastric carcinoma were measured in the frequency range between 45 MHz and 5 GHz. For the measurement of the dielectric properties, 58 xenografted samples were used. It was found that all of the cancerous tissues had the similar dielectric constant values. Comparing with the normal tissues, dielectric constant values of brain cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer were higher than those of the normal tissues except gastric carcinoma in the frequency range.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.179-182
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• 2009

Germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 confer high risks of breast and ovarian cancer. Among BRCA1- and BRCA2- mutation carriers, the average cumulative risks for ovarian cancer by age 70 years were 39% and 11%, respectively. There are other hereditary cancer syndromes such as Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer also confer a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer, but over 90% of all hereditary ovarian cancers are thought to be associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. This report concerns a Korean woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer present with a family history of ovarian and various other cancers, in whom a germline BRCA1 mutation was identified and the same mutation was found in one of two daughters of her's. Since there could be more hereditary ovarian cancer patients in Korean than clinicians thought, both primary and secondary prevention of ovarian cancer based on family history and genetic information is important to reduce cancer incidence and mortality.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.2
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• pp.417-422
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• 2021

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare neuroectodermal disease that is associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Here, we report a rare case of bilateral breast cancer in a 49-year-old woman with NF1 that presented as a microlobulated oval hypoechoic mass and a complex cystic solid mass on sonography. She underwent bilateral mastectomy. The masses were diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, and a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. We describe the imaging findings, including ultrasonography, CT, and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.200-209
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this micro-ethnography is to examine whether science and societal changes impact family communication patterns among a convenience sample of 16 Korean women. Methods: The authors observed family communication in the context of a new breast cancer genetic screening and diagnostic testing program to detect BRCA gene mutations in Korean women at highest risk. Results: Analysis of in-depth interviews and field notes taken during participant observation illustrated that communication patterns in families vary according to a woman's position in the family. If a grandmother tests positive for a gene mutation, her daughters make decisions on her behalf; they open and maintain the communication channel among family members. If a housewife is diagnosed with cancer and a genetic mutation, she immediately consults her husband and her sisters. The husband creates an open communication channel between his wife, his parents and his siblings. As a result, a woman's cancer is a concern for the whole family not merely a woman's secret or crisis. Conclusion: Cultural differences are important to consider when designing new genetic service programs in different countries.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.146-158
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• 2005

Purpose: This study was to obtain a understanding of breast cancer women with high risk for hereditary cancer syndrome. Method: A micro-ethnography was used, including participation observation, open-ended in-depth interviews. Results: Two major arguments were derived. First, When Korean women at high risk to hereditary breast cancer make a decision about whether to take a genetic test, they are strongly motivated by a desire to preserve close kinship bonds and "family love" among their siblings, parents and children. Second, Even after genetic risk assessment and counseling services, Korean women at high-risk for developing a hereditary breast cancer who have been informed that they are mutation carriers, still hold onto previous beliefs about cancer causation. Their cancer prevention strategies are constructed according to their unchanged perceptions and beliefs about cancer causation. Conclusion: More sensitive genetic counseling program needs to be developed. Referral programs and clinical services must be attentive to cultural values and beliefs otherwise cultural attitudes and practices toward genetic counseling will not change.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.365-378
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• 2019

Purpose: The awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and BRCA testing is increasing in Korea. Compared to the sizable research on HBOC knowledge among breast cancer women, studies in the ovarian cancer population are limited. This paper aimed to investigate the level of knowledge of hereditary ovarian cancer and anxiety in women diagnosed with serous ovarian cancer in Korea and determine differences in the knowledge and anxiety according to whether genetic testing was undertaken and whether BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations were present. Methods: Using a descriptive research design, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 100 women diagnosed with serous ovarian cancer at N hospital in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, from July to November 2018. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient using the SPSS 21.0 program. Results: The hereditary ovarian cancer-related knowledge score was mid-level (mean score 8.90±3.29 out of a total of 17), as was the state anxiety level was mid-level (mean score 47.96±3.26 out of possible score range of 20-80). Genetic knowledge of hereditary ovarian cancer was associated with age, education, occupation, genetic counseling, and BRCA mutations. There were no statistically significant factors related to anxiety and there were no statistically significant correlations between knowledge level and anxiety. Conclusion: More comprehensive education on gene-related cancer is needed for ovarian cancer patients, especially for items with low knowledge scores. A genetic counseling protocol should be developed to allow more patients to alleviate their anxiety through genetic counseling.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.272-279
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• 2006

Background: After Genome project, cancer genetic information is being rapidly changing. Everyday nurses are incorporating current cancer genetic knowledge and genetic testing into their practice. So their cancer genetic knowledge is important for ensuring quality of cancer patient care and education. Purpose: This study is performed for describing the Korean nurses' current knowledge level about the hereditary breast cancer. Method: This national wide survey used 15-item questionnaire which is modified from the Breast Cancer Genetic Counseling Knowledge Questionnaire originally developed by Erblich et al.(2005). Three hundred and nine nurses were recruited for this survey from April 1, 2006 to September 30, 2006. Result: Nurses' knowledge level about the hereditary breast cancer was not high. Clinical nurses with master degree, working large hospital located in Seoul had higher knowledge about hereditary breast cancer. Education related to cancer genetics was significantly impact on the level of nurses' knowledge. Conclusion: Cancer genetic educational program for Korean nurses is strongly needed for delivering cancer care services sensitive to ever-changing cancer genetic information.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.175-185
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• 2012

Purpose: This micro-ethnographic study aimed to understand coping experiences of Korean-American (K-A) women after diagnosis with breast cancer due to a hereditary gene mutation. Methods: Participatory observation and in-depth interviews were performed at one breast cancer screening center in Southern California, in 2005 with eleven first generation K-A immigrant women. All transcribed interviews and field notes were analyzed using ethnographic methodology. Results: K-A women's experience varied based on acculturation risk factors including: limited English speaking ability; disrupted family relationships, individualistic family values, or intergenerational communication barriers; lack of Korean speaking nurses; and Korean physicians' who lacked knowledge about hereditary breast cancer risk. These risk factors led to isolation, loneliness, lack of emotional and social support. In comparison to Korean homeland women in a similar medical situation, these K-A immigrants felt disconnected from the healthcare system, family support and social resources which increased their struggling and impeded coping during their survivorship journey. These women were not able to access self-support groups, nor the valuable resources of nurse navigator programs. Conclusion: Professional oncology associations for nurses and physicians have a moral obligation to support and promote knowledge of hereditary cancer risk and self-help groups for non-native speaking immigrants.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.105-113
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• 2007

Background: Cancer genetics have gained public attention dramatically. Everyday physicians and nurses use the knowledge of cancer genetics in their practices. Despite the importance of the knowledge of the health care providers on cancer genetics, there is a paucity of literature investigating the levels of knowledge about cancer genetics among health care providers. Purpose: This study aimed to describe the Korean physicians' current knowledge level about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Method: This nation-wide survey used a 15-item questionnaire which is modified from the Breast Cancer Genetic Counseling Knowledge Questionnaire originally developed by Erblich et al.(2005). One hundred and forty-four physicians participated in this survey from October 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007. Result: Physicians' knowledge level about hereditary breast cancer was 11.94 (S.D=2.46). Physicians with short-term careers (less than one year), the position of Intern, or who were involved in breast or ovarian cancer care demonstrated the highest knowledge about HBOC. Conclusion: Genetic courses in medical education seemed to contribute to the high level of physicians' genetic knowledge. Also, nursing discipline needs to incorporate genetics or genetic counseling courses into the formal educational curriculum in order to deliver up to date cancer care services which are sensitive to ever-changing cancer genetic information.