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Oncology social workers are increasingly finding themselves diagnosed with or caring for a loved one with cancer. Self-disclosure may be useful for building a therapeutic alliance. Yet, practice-informed guidelines for psychosocial oncology providers do not exist. Twenty-three psychosocial oncology providers diagnosed with and/or providing care to someone with cancer completed semi-structured interviews eliciting attitudes and utilization regarding self-disclosure. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using grounded theory's constant comparative method, researchers conducted open and theoretical coding. Participants expressed consensus in defining, and reported a range of evolving practices regarding, self-disclosure. Recommendations for responsible self-disclosure included self-awareness, ongoing assessment, supervision, and enhanced educational programming. Therapeutic tools must evolve as core features of psychosocial oncology care. A flexible and context-specific framework for clinician self-disclosure related to personal experiences with cancer can guide oncology social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the genetic testing experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs; aged 15–39 years) with, or at 50% risk of, an early onset cancer predisposition syndrome: Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS). We used interpretive description and conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 AYAs (mean age 25.5 years): 26 with LFS and four at 50% risk. Findings were developed using team-based, inductive thematic analysis. Participants reported genetic testing uptake to reduce uncertainty about their gene status and to access cancer risk management. Learning their gene status, however, introduced a new uncertainty about living with high multi-organ cancer risk. Participants preoccupied with surviving cancer during diagnostic testing underestimated the implications of LFS. Reliance on family at this life stage complicated decision-making for genetic testing, especially among adolescents. AYAs undergoing genetic testing for LFS have unique support needs based on their life stage and require developmentally appropriate psychosocial care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) is an inherited tumor predisposition syndrome with lifetime cancer risks approaching 100% and evolving risk-management strategies. This study evaluated couples' coping with LFS-related burdens. Research approach: Constructivist grounded theory and anticipatory loss frameworks guided design and analysis. Sample and methods: Twenty-six individuals enrolled in the NCI LFS Family Study completed semi-structured interviews with their partner during annual screening visits. An interdisciplinary team completed open and focused coding to identify patterns of coping and adaptation. Findings: Couples described living with ambiguous danger, a state of chronic apprehension resulting from LFS-associated uncertainties. Most couples communicated openly and alternated shouldering the burden, while others engaged in protective buffering to shield each other from distress and sustain the appearance of normalcy. Interpretation: Optimally, coping reduces shared psychosocial distress, yet some strategies may inadvertently increase disconnection. Implications: Mental health support is critical for both partners coping with LFS, together and separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]