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Cervical cancer
Author(s) -
BasenEngquist Karen,
Paskett Electra D.,
Buzaglo Joanne,
Miller Suzanne M.,
Schover Leslie,
Wenzel Lari B.,
Bodurka Diane C.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.11681
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , cervical cancer , distress , colposcopy , psychological intervention , quality of life (healthcare) , cancer , anger , gynecology , family medicine , clinical psychology , psychiatry , nursing
Behavioral and psychosocial factors affect all aspects of cervical cancer control, from prevention to posttreatment rehabilitation. Behavioral scientists gathered at the Second International Conference on Cervical Cancer (Houston, TX, April 11–14, 2002) reviewed selected studies of behavioral factors related to cervical cancer, including women's receptivity to emerging cervical cancer screening and diagnostic technologies, factors that influence adherence to follow‐up colposcopy recommendations, and cervical cancer survivors' quality of life. Researchers reported that reduced distress during examinations with new technology may improve adherence to cervical cancer screening recommendations. Until new technology becomes mainstream, research shows that distress is reduced and adherence improves when health care providers match interventions to patients' informational processing styles. Investigations of survivors' quality of life report conflicting findings, but studies indicate that survivors experience anger over reproductive loss, loss of interest in sex, and perhaps a greater vulnerability to sexual dysfunction compared with survivors of other cancers. Survivors also report a need for posttherapy support programs. Primary prevention of cervical cancer should remain a priority as research in behavioral interventions and barriers to screening, especially among vulnerable populations, moves forward. Cancer 2003;98(9 Suppl):2009–2014. © 2003 American Cancer Society.