Das BRCA-Netzwerk und seine interdisziplinären Herausforderungen

This article deals with the interdisciplinary challenges of the patient organization BRCA Network (BRCA-Netzwerk e. V.). The BRCA Network is a nationwide self-help organization in the field of hereditary cancer, which organizes exchange and information for those affected as well as participatory processes in clinics, research and politics. The aim of the article is to show where the challenges lie in interdisciplinarity. Affected people working on a voluntary basis come to the network with different professional backgrounds. Affected means that there is a proven or very high probability of genetic variants in the family that increase the likelihood of developing cancer. People who already have the disease and “healthy but affected people” work together in the network. Together, we generate experience and expertise, which we pool and make available to other people seeking advice and medical experts. We highlight the need for genuine participation to improve patient care and the associated difficulties between volunteers and medical professionals. Successful cooperation is beneficial for both sides and has obvious benefits for those affected. The aim is to make decision making much easier for those seeking advice and thus improve the quality of life.