Wounds written in the genes

Abstract

In a psychodynamic framework, the authors reflect upon the transmission of the BRCA1/2 genes’ mutation. This mutation exposes carrier women to the risk of developing, during their lives, a form of breast and/or ovarian cancer.

This illness has already affected different women of their family causing wounds inscribed in soma and in psyche. These wounds are significant in woman’s decision making of prevention strategies.

It is very hard to care wounds inscribed in one’s own history that became a threat for femininity. The authors use women’s narration as material to be analysed in order to highlight the meanings linked to the mutation between identity, group and generational dimensions.