Cancer Institute: A Place of Anxiety
Author Type(s)
Faculty
Document Type
Abstract
Publication Date
11-2021
DOI
10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.08.041
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.
Recommended Citation
Koziol, K. J., Kaul, S., Orlando, M., Parsikia, A., & Castaldi, M. T. (2021). Cancer Institute: A Place of Anxiety. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 233 (5 Suppl. 2), e14-e15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.08.041