RESUMO
Recently, genetic testing has begun to move from the customary clinical setting (with restrictive entry criteria) into the offices of GPs and the homes of consumers (Williams-Jones, 2003). This research aimed to look at participants' experiences of genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in a clinical environment, and subsequently ascertain potential psychosocial issues associated with genetic testing outside the customary clinical setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight female participants who had undergone genetic testing within a clinical setting. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three super-ordinate themes emerged. Participants' 'battle for control' reflected a perceived loss of control due to their cancer experiences. The 'psychological impact of having experienced/witnessed cancer' highlighted the psychological burden that many participants and their family members lived with. Finally, 'scepticism towards testing outside the clinical setting' was expressed by all participants; they were suspicious of this method of testing. These themes highlighted the potential psychological strain of undergoing genetic testing outside the clinical setting. They also highlighted the wariness with which participants approached the possible introduction of testing outside the customary clinical setting. Psychosocial implications of genetic testing outside the clinical setting were discussed in light of these findings.