OBJECTIVE:
When women are diagnosed and treated for gynecologic
cancer, they must find ways to cope.
Cancer
is both a physically and emotionally challenging disease. This study
aims to identify existing coping strategies in women diagnosed with
gynecologic
cancer throughout their
cancer journey and to add to these supports to help women cope with their
cancer.
METHODS:
Women with gynecologic
cancer were interviewed individually according to focus group principles during scheduled clinic visits at Saskatoon
Cancer Center to identify coping strategies following diagnosis and treatment of
cancer. Interviews were used to inform researchers before preparing a survey about coping with
cancer.
During 8 weeks, women receiving care were surveyed. Questions explored
diagnosis, therapy phase, feelings, attitudes, and support.
RESULTS:
Sixteen women were interviewed; questionnaires were distributed to 75 women with cervical (20.7%), uterine (22.2%),
ovarian (60.3%), and vulvar
cancer
(1.6%). After diagnosis, the major support was family in 96.8%, and
talking helped in 71.4%. All women found their gynecologic oncologist
and nurse were easy to talk to/supportive. Only 12.7% attended
counseling, 17.5% attended workshops/patient education sessions, and
9.5% attended support groups. Reasons for not receiving supportive
counseling were voiced. A small number of alternative therapies tried by
60.3% were deemed helpful in 97.4%.
Parking at the cancer center was a stressor in 81%. Participants felt that the Saskatoon gynecologic
cancer
care team fulfilled their needs emotionally. Patients want information
about workshops, support meetings, and other modalities to improve their
quality of life during their
cancer journey.
CONCLUSION:
Providing
better quality and type of available supports may enhance the
experience of women following diagnosis and during therapy for
cancer and will help women to cope with
cancer more effectively.
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