[Psychological, social and economic situation of women surgically treated for cancer].
BACKGROUND
As part of an international effort, a study of the psychosocial condition of women with cancer in Norway was performed in 1997.


METHODS
851 women with breast or gynaecological cancer in 27 Norwegian hospitals were asked to fill in a multi-choice questionnaire.


RESULTS
76% of the breast cancers were detected by the women themselves, 19% by mammography and 11% by clinical examination. Similar numbers for gynaecological cancer were 59% by the women and 41% by the doctors (13% screening smear). 25% of the women were informed about the cancer diagnosis by telephone and 9% by letter. 87% were satisfied with treatment and care, 7% dissatisfied. 62% were satisfied with the availability of doctors, 20% not. In 47% of the breast cases, therapy alternatives were discussed with the patients. In 23% of gynaecological, 50% of breast, and 72% of gynaecological cancer, patients had no wish to participate in the decision. 94 of a total of 850 patients (11%) experienced financial problems after the diagnosis had been established. More than 90% of the women had a better or unchanged relation to their partner, family and friends after treatment. However, 30% of the breast and 14% of the gynaecological cancer patients had problems with their body image, and 16% and 15% felt they were less sexually attractive. 89% felt their partner coped well with the situation, 9% had problems and only 2% lost their partner. 32% of the patients had used alternative medicine, 44% of those with recurrence and 28% under primary treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Women operated for breast and gynaecological cancer face a variety of psychosocial and financial problems.
Kåresen
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R
Gastrokirurgisk avdeling, Ullevål sykehus, Oslo. rolf.karesen@ulleval.no
Langmark
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F
D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000592:standards