Waiting for a breast biopsy. Psychosocial consequences and coping strategies.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this pilot/feasibility study was to describe the experience of women presenting with a suspicious mammogram who are waiting for a breast biopsy and to identify those at risk for distress.


METHODS
Participants (n=25) were interviewed at two time points: immediately after being put on the waiting list (T1) and again immediately before their biopsy approximately 6 weeks later (T2). Self-report measures of distress and coping were used. Perceived personal risk of a positive biopsy finding and information needs were assessed through open-ended questions.


RESULTS
Distress levels were high in this sample. Using cognitive-avoidant coping strategies, being employed, history of previous biopsies, and having a family history of breast cancer were associated with greater distress. Perceived personal risk of a positive biopsy finding was overestimated in one half of the cases and was correlated with greater distress.


CONCLUSIONS
Waiting period between suspicious mammogram and breast biopsy may be a time of high distress for many women.
Sir-Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, 4333 Cote Ste-Catherine, H3T 1E4 Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Sophie
S
Lebel
Gabriela
G
Jakubovits
Zeev
Z
Rosberger
Carmen
C
Loiselle
Carole
C
Seguin
Catherine
C
Cornaz
Jan
J
Ingram
Linda
L
August
Andre
A
Lisbona
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001706:Biopsy / Q000523:psychology*; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors