Bioethical perception of gynecology specialist mastology residents regarding pregnancy interruption in cases with breast cancer Percepción bioética de ginecólogos residentes de mastología sobre la interrupción del embarazo en cáncer de seno

Abstract

Objective: to describe the bioethical perception of a group of mastology residents regarding first trimester voluntary pregnancy interruption (VPI) in cases with early-stage breast cancer, and the implications of their medical behaviors in a university hospital. Methodology:  a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews. Purposive sampling was adopted for recruiting participants. Colaizzi´s method was used for data analysis including open, axial, and selective coding. Analysis and comparison matrices, and for categories by descriptors consolidation, were created in Microsoft Office Excel. The credibility, auditability, and transferability criteria proposed by Lincoln and Guba, were used to ensure research rigor and validity of its results. Data triangulation was performed involving two researchers. This is a minimal risk study given no variables are modified in participants, in accordance with Resolution 8430 of 1993. Approval was obtained from the ethics committee for research on human beings. Results: participants included physicians, gynecology, and obstetrics specialists, and mastology residents. They were categorized into five groups based on the categorization of the meanings proposed in the interviews, that account for the dilemma of whether suggesting pregnancy interruption in women with early-stage breast cancer, concerns of physicians who play the decision-making role and a feeling of increased responsibility burden placed on them. Conclusion: physician´s autonomy is affected in complex cases, especially when he/she considers that pregnancy interruption is not appropriate. Training in bioethics should be provided in academic programs, not based on principles but as a person-centered approach.