Functioning in daily living and psychological well-being of female cancer patients

Author(s): Freidl, W.

Journal/Book: J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol. 2000; 21: Casterton Hall, Carnforth Lancashire La6 2La, England. Parthenon Publishing Group. 25-30.

Abstract: The objective of this prospective study was to compare outcomes concerning psychological and physical functioning of patients with various malignancies. A sample of 119 newly diagnosed cancer patients completed two questionnaires evaluating psychological well-being and functioning in daily living. Outcome measures were obtained at three time points: before surgery, months after surgery, and 1 year after surgery, The results showed that the psychological well-being, improved significantly from the first to the third time point for the sample as a whole, After surgery, patients with ovarian and cervical cancer showed slightly lower scores;. Patients with endometrial cancer, The level of functioning in daily living declined 3 months after surgery for all except endometrial cancer patients, but increased significantly at the I year follow-up. At all three time points the mean differences for psychological well-being and functioning in daily living were not Statistically significant among subgroups. Physical and psychological well-being of the patients treated for gynecological malignancies is affected independently of age site and stage of disease. However, throughout the observational period the psychological well-being scores were lower than those of patients with;other chronic illnesses or healthy subjects. Therefore, we conclude that psychological interventions for patients facing gynecological cancer treatment should be provided as an integral component of cancer management.

Note: Article Greimel ER, Graz Univ, Dept Obstet & Gynecol, Auenbruggerpl 14, A-8036 Graz, AUSTRIA

Keyword(s): gynecologic cancer; psychological well-being; physical functioning; daily living activites; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; GYNECOLOGIC CANCER; OVARIAN-CANCER; CERVICAL-CANCER; BREAST-CANCER; WOMEN; SURGERY; DYSFUNCTION; ADJUSTMENT; MORBIDITY

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