Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the emotions of patients with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) after risk reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 HBOC patients aged 20 or older, who had undergone RRSO. The emotions of HBOC patients after RRSO were summarized into 6 categories: 【being freed from the fear of cancer and feeling at ease】, 【As it was just timing, I was able to decide to undergo the surgery】, 【desiring to make use of one’s experience for peers】, 【desiring to face cancer of relatives after completing one’s own surgery】, 【continuing to worry about one’s condition even after surgery】, and 【feeling guilty about having one’s ovaries surgically removed】. Being freed from cancer by RRSO was an irreplaceable experience for these patients, as their health was of benefit not only to themselves, but also to their relatives, and this characterized the heredity affecting families with HBOC. On the other hand, patients continued to worry about their conditions all the time, suggesting the necessity of psychological support for such patients, promoting their daily lives after RRSO.
