Gender differences in patients needs and concerns to diagnostic tests for possible cancer.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the difference between the concerns of men and women prior to undergoing diagnostic tests for cancer.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 129 outpatients completed a survey.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences were found between male and female patients; however, patients evaluated for gender-specific cancers reported a significantly (P < .01) higher mean score for concerns related to sexuality, reproductive ability, and intimate relationships. Almost half (46%) of the patients reported not receiving any or not enough information before the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Men and women have similar concerns; however, there are significant differences in the concerns of patients undergoing a procedure for a gender-specific versus a non-gender-specific cancer. Some patients reported inadequate procedural information, suggesting that improvements are needed in communication and health education efforts.
Katz
Mira L
ML
The Ohio State University, School of Public Health and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. katz-4@medctr.osu.edu
Ruzek
Sheryl B
SB
Miller
Suzanne M
SM
Legos
Patricia
P
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000523:psychology; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014463:Ultrasonography