Getting on the “same page”: Couples’ experiences communicating about hereditary cancer risk and family building decisions

PURPOSE: This study examined how young adults (YAs) of reproductive age with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes and their partners make complex family building decisions; deciding whether and how to build their families knowing they might pass on a pathogenic variant to offspring. METHODS: = 26). Participants were asked about information preferences and how they managed family building conversations. Interviews were analyzed using a phronetic, iterative approach. RESULTS: Couples reported experiencing three challenges: number of children, timeline/timing for having children, and methods for building family. Couples utilized two strategies when making decision: being supportive/valuing one another and communicating over time to get on the "same page." CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians can share the strategies to facilitate more effective conversations. Educational programs may help couples improve family building decisions, while also assisting couples in learning their partner's preferences.