Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Exploration of Male Attitudes on Partnerships and Sexuality with Female BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

Women with BRCA mutations are inundated with decisions about managing cancer risks and childbearing considerations. Decisions become more complicated when women face disclosing their mutation and risk-reduction options to a romantic partner. This study identifies the concerns and perspectives of male romantic partners regarding these unique decisions. Twenty-five male participants completed an online survey posted to cancer support group message boards. Participants reported relationship changes regarding intimacy levels (n = 9), attraction (n = 2), and communication (n = 22) after mutation disclosure. Participants whose partners had not undergone prophylactic mastectomy (n = 14) reported concerns regarding sexual relations (n = 5), post-surgical appearance (n = 2), post-surgical attraction (n = 5), and health/lifespan (n = 9). Participants did not express attitude changes toward childbearing. While mutation disclosure conversations and surgical options are concerns for many BRCA mutation carriers in relationships, male partners share these concerns. Aspects of the relationship may change, but male study participants continued to support their partners. This information can benefit female BRCA mutation carriers, their current or future partners, and genetic counselors working with this particular population.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andrzejczak, E., Markocka-Mączka, K., & Lewandowski, A. (2013). Partner relationships after mastectomy in women not offered breast reconstruction. Psychooncology, 22(7), 1653–1657.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antoniou, A., Pharoah, P., Narod, S., Risch, H., Eyfjord, J., Hopper, J., Loman, N., Olsson, H., Johannsson, O., Borg, A., Pasini, B., Radice, P., Manoukian, S., Gorski, B., Tulinius, H., Thorlacius, S., Eerola, H., Nevanlinna, H., Syrjakoski, K., Kallioniemi, O., Thompson, D., Evans, C., Peto, J., Lalloo, F., Evans, D., & Easton, D. (2003). Average risks of breast and ovarian cancer associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations detected in case series unselected for family history: a combined analysis of 22 studies. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 164(7), 1005–1009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, S., & Parmigiani, G. (2007). Meta-analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 penetrance. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 25(11), 1329–1333.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeMarco, T., Peshkin, B., Valdimarsdottir, H., Patenaude, A., Schneider, K., & Tercyak, K. P. (2008). Role of parenting relationship quality in communicating about maternal BRCA1/2 genetic test results with children. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 17(3), 283–287. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-007-9147-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DiProspero, L., Seminsky, M., Honeyford, J., Doan, B., Franssen, E., Meschino, W., Chart, P., & Warner, E. (2001). Psychosocial issues following a positive result of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations: findings from a focus group and a needs-assessment survey. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 164(7), 1005–1009.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dorval, M., Maunsell, E., Taylor-Brown, J., & Kilpatrick, M. (1999). Marital stability after breast cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 91(1), 54–59.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Genetic/familial high-risk assessment: Breast and ovarian cancer. (2015). National comprehensive cancer network. Version 1.2015. <https://doi.org/www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/genetics_screening.pdf>

  • Hamilton, R., & Hurley, K. (2010). Conditions and consequences of a BRCA mutation in young, single women of childbearing age. Oncology Nursing Forum, 37(5), 627–634.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoskins, L., Roy, K., Peters, J., Loud, J., & Green, M. (2008). Disclosure of positive BRCA1/2-Mutation status in young couples: the journey from uncertainty to bonding through partner support. Families, Systems & Health, 26(3), 296–316.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Howard, A., Bottorff, J., Balneaves, L., & Kim-Sing, C. (2010). Women’s construction of the ‘right time’ to consider decisions about risk-reducing mastectomy and risk-reducing oophorectomy. BMC Women's Health, 10, 24. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-10-24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kenen, R., Ardern-Jones, A., & Eeles, R. (2006). ‘Social separation’ among women under 40 years of age diagnosed with breast cancer and carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 15(3), 149–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klitzman, R., & Sweeny, M. (2011). ‘In sickness and in health?’ Disclosures of genetic risks in dating. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 20(1), 98–112. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-010-9331-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liede, A., Karlan, B., & Narod, S. (2004). Cancer risks for male carriers of germline mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2: a review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22(4), 735–742.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lodder, L. N., Frets, P. G., Trijsburg, R. W., Meijers-Heijboer, E. J., Klijn, J. G. M., Duivenvoorden, H. J., Tibben, A., Wagner, A., van der Meer, C. A., Devilee, P., Cornelisse, C. J., Niermeijer, M. F., & other members of the Rotterdam/Leiden Genetics Working Group. (1999). Presymptomatic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2: how distressing are the pre-test weeks? Journal of Medical Genetics, 36(12), 906–913.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lodder, L., Frets, P. G., Trijsburg, R. W., Meijers-Heijboer, E. J., Klijn, J. G., Duivenvoorden, H. J., Tibben, A., Wagner, A., van der Meer, C. A., van den Ouweland, A. M., & Niermeijer, M. F. (2001). Psychological impact of receiving a BRCA1/BRCA2 test result. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 98(1), 15–24.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matloff, E., Barnett, R., & Bober, S. (2009). Unraveling the next chapter: sexual development, body image, and sexual functioning in female BRCA carriers. Cancer Journal, 15(1), 15–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Metcalfe, K. A., Liede, A., Trinkaus, M., Hanna, D., & Narod, S. A. (2002). Evaluation of the needs of spouses of female carriers of mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Clinical Genetics, 62, 464–469.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Metcalfe, K., Esplen, M., Goel, V., & Narod, S. (2004). Psychosocial functioning in women who have undergone prophylactic mastectomy. Psycho-Oncology, 13, 14–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mireskandari, S., Meiser, B., Sherman, K., Warner, B., Andrews, L., & Tucker, K. (2006). Evaluation of the needs and concerns of partners of women at high risk of developing breast/ovarian cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 15(2), 96–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mireskandari, S., Sherman, K. A., Meiser, B., Taylor, A. J., Gleeson, M., Andrews, L., & Tucker, K. M. (2007). Psychological adjustment among partners of women at high risk of developing breast/ovarian cancer. Genetics in Medicine, 9(5), 311–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moreira, H., & Canavarro, M. C. (2013). Psychosocial adjustment and martial intimacy among partners of patients with breast cancer: a comparison study with partners of healthy women. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 31(3), 282–304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nakaya, N., Saito-Nakaya, K., Bidstrup, P. E., Daltson, S. O., Frederiksen, K., Steding-Jessen, M., Uchitomi, Y., & Johansen, C. (2010). Increased risk of severe depression in male partners of women with breast cancer. Cancer, 116, 5527–5534.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ormondroyd, E., Donnelly, L., Moynihan, C., Savona, C., Bancroft, E., Evans, D., Eeles, R., Lavery, S., & Watson, M. (2012). Attitudes to reproductive genetic testing in women who had a positive BRCA test before having children: a qualitative analysis. European Journal of Human Genetics, 20, 4–10. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/ejhg.2011.146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Quaid, K., & Wesson, M. (1995). Exploration of the effects of predictive testing for Huntington disease on intimate relationships. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 57, 46–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Quinn, G., Vadaparampil, S., Tollin, S., Miree, C., Murphy, D., Bower, B., & Silva, C. (2009). BRCA carriers’ thoughts on risk management in relation to preimplantation genetic diagnosis and childbearing: when too many choices are just as difficult as none. Fertility and Sterility, 94(6), 2473–2475. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.03.064.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rudnick, J. (2008) In the family. Kartemquin Films.

  • Sherman, K. A., Kasparian, N. A., & Mireskandari, S. (2010). Psychological adjustment among male partners in response to women’s breast/ovarian cancer risk: a theoretical review of the literature. Psycho-Oncology, 19, 1–11. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.1582.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sjövall, K., Attner, B., Lithman, T., Noreen, D., Gunnars, B., Thomé, B., & Olsson, H. (2009). Influence on the health of the partner affected by tumor disease in the wife or husband based on a population-based register study of cancer in Sweden. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 27, 4781–4786.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Staton, A., Kurian, A., Cobb, K., Mills, M., & Ford, J. (2008). Cancer risk reduction and concerns in female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Familial Cancer, 7, 179–186.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thoits, P. (1995). Stress, coping and social support processes: where are we now? What next? Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Extra Issue, 53–79.

  • Vadaparampil, S.T., Miree, C.A., Wilson, C., Jacobsen, P.B. (2006–2007). Psychosocial and behavioral impact of genetic counseling and testing. Breast Dis, 27, 97–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wylie, J., Smith, K., & Botkin, J. (2003). Effects of spouses on distress experienced by BRCA1 mutation carriers over time. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C, 199, 35–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Melissa Snyder of BBP, Sue Friedman of FORCE, and the late Krysti Hughett at YSC for assisting in the recruitment of study participants through their various support groups. Thanks are also extended to Cathy Wicklund, MS CGC for her support of this study and Suzanne O’Neill, MS, PhD, CGC for her assistance during data analysis, both from the Graduate School of Genetic Counseling at Northwestern University. Special thanks are also given to Cassandra Guiden, MS CGC from the University of Chicago and Rebecca Hamilton of the University of Chicago, Illinois for their comments and concerns regarding our data interpretation. Funding for this project was provided by the thesis grant at the Northwestern University Graduate School of Genetic Counseling.

Conflicts of Interest

Caitlin Mauer, Sara Spencer, Jeffrey Dungan, and Karen Hurley declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human Studies and Informed Consent

All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000. Informed consent was obtained from all patients for being included in the study.

Animal Studies

No animal studies were carried out by the authors for this article.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

    Caitlin Mauer

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

    Sara Spencer & Jeffery Dungan

  3. Clinical Genetics Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA

    Karen Hurley

  4. UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-9323, USA

    Caitlin Mauer

Authors
  1. Caitlin Mauer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sara Spencer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jeffery Dungan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Karen Hurley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Caitlin Mauer.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

ESM 1

(PDF 247 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mauer, C., Spencer, S., Dungan, J. et al. Exploration of Male Attitudes on Partnerships and Sexuality with Female BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers. J Genet Counsel 25, 290–297 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-015-9870-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-015-9870-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation