Supportive care needs of women undergoing breast diagnostics and their families: A focus for nursing interventions

Women Undergoing Breast Diagnostics: The Lived Experience of Spirituality

“…Women have reported that a diagnostic work-up for a breast abnormality is extremely distressing (Halstead & Hull, 2001;Heckman et al, 2004). Moreover, women have found themselves lacking the support and care they require during this phase of the disease continuum (De Grasse & Hugo, 1996), and they have expressed a need for spiritual support when undergoing diagnosis (De Grasse, Hugo, & Plotnikoff, 1997;Highfield, 1997). However, little is known about the spirituality of women during the diagnostic process for a breast abnormality.…”

The Experience of Waiting for Diagnosis After an Abnormal Mammogram

“…Waiting for a definitive diagnosis following an abnormal mammogram has been recognized as a critical element in the breast cancer care process. While it may be impossible to determine if an extended period of waiting between notification of abnormal screening mammogram and definitive diagnosis of breast cancer influences disease progression or survival statistics, it is well recognized that such delays create anxiety, distress and fear for the women involved and for their loved ones ( 1, 2).…”

“…While research on information needs and anxiety related to specific procedures confirms the emotional burden associated with the waiting period, it represents only a minor component of the diagnostic process as experienced by the women themselves. Where the diagnostic period has been the explicit focus of investigation, there is descriptive evidence that women find it an intensely difficult period, and that a quick and compassionate program can ease the psychological distress considerably ( 1, 16, 22). As Fallowfield ( 23) has lamented, despite consistent and extensive documentation of the powerful emotional repercussions of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, women commonly report that their psychosocial needs are inadequately addressed.…”

Voyager pour une radiothérapie du cancer : la satisfaction des patients

“…C'est aussi un moment où les patients ne sont pas nécessairement informés des services qui sont offerts pour leur venir en aide. Souvent, ils n'apprennent l'existence de ces services que lorsqu'ils commencent à fréquenter le centre de traitement (Degrasse et Hugo, 1996). Des améliorations pourraient donc être apportées à la prestation d'information sur les services à ces patients, ce qui faciliterait l'accès aux services de soutien durant l'intervalle de prétraitement.…”