Illness-related distress: does it mean the same for men and women? Gender aspects in cancer patients' distress and adjustment.

Gender differences were investigated in a sample of 149 married cancer patients (82 males, 67 females) undergoing outpatient chemotherapy. A cross-sectional design was used and evaluation included medical assessments and self-rating questionnaires. Tumour sites varied, and advanced stages of disease were predominant. Overall, the results suggest gender differences as well as some similarities. Although female patients reported symptoms and higher overall distress because of illness more frequently than male patients did, general satisfaction with life did not differ between genders, suggesting comparable adjustment. From the results of multivariate analyses physical impairment, such as older age, primarily explained female patients' distress, whereas men's distress was closely linked to their psychological condition. Men and women also differ in the way they make use of social support. Assessment of the distinctive aspects contributing to male and female cancer patients' distress could improve the provision of adequate support adapted to gender-specific requirements.