Cancer Institute: A Place of Anxiety

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

11-2021

Journal Title

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

Department

Surgery

Abstract

Introduction

Breast imaging can be associated with substantial anxiety due to the impact of abnormal mammography on distress and perceptions of risk for breast cancer. We sought to determine the level of anxiety after notification of abnormal mammography and need for follow up at a cancer institute and whether or not further distress was provoked by the visit to the ‘cancer institute’ for follow up.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with women presenting for review of BIRADS 4 breast imaging results prior to planning breast biopsy. Interview assessed patient characteristics, subjective overall breast health and anxiety levels, cancer history, support availability, and distress. Anxiety was assessed in two groups, pre and post intervention. A post-intervention tool provided educational material to prepare patients for receiving abnormal mammogram results. Effectiveness of the intervention was measured.

Results

Forty-one women were interviewed. Post-intervention were less anxious than the pre-intervention group when entering ‘cancer institute’ (18% vs. 27%) and ‘cancer institute’ designation provoked less stress post intervention. (25% vs. 37%). Educational intervention and companion support led all the intervened and accompanied patients to choose the cancer institute as the preferable location to share the imaging results. This showed significance (p 0.026), which was non-significant without intervention even with having support.

Conclusion

Consultation in a cancer institute provokes superimposed distress and anxiety. This is an important consideration in managing overall breast health. Educational materials on risk of breast cancer lowered anxiety in women with abnormal breast imaging.

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