BACKGROUND: Little is known about the difference between the concerns of men and women prior to undergoing diagnostic tests for cancer. METHODS: A convenience sample of 129 outpatients completed a survey. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between male and female patients; however, patients evaluated for gender-specific cancers reported a significantly (P < .01) higher mean score for concerns related to sexuality, reproductive ability, and intimate relationships. Almost half (46%) of the patients reported not receiving any or not enough information before the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Men and women have similar concerns; however, there are significant differences in the concerns of patients undergoing a procedure for a gender-specific versus a non-gender-specific cancer. Some patients reported inadequate procedural information, suggesting that improvements are needed in communication and health education efforts.
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the difference between the concerns of men and women prior to undergoing diagnostic tests for cancer. METHODS: A convenience sample of 129 outpatients completed a survey. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between male and female patients; however, patients evaluated for gender-specific cancers reported a significantly (P < .01) higher mean score for concerns related to sexuality, reproductive ability, and intimate relationships. Almost half (46%) of the patients reported not receiving any or not enough information before the procedure. CONCLUSIONS:Men and women have similar concerns; however, there are significant differences in the concerns of patients undergoing a procedure for a gender-specific versus a non-gender-specific cancer. Some patients reported inadequate procedural information, suggesting that improvements are needed in communication and health education efforts.
Authors: Emily B Peterson; Jamie S Ostroff; Katherine N DuHamel; Thomas A D'Agostino; Marisol Hernandez; Mollie R Canzona; Carma L Bylund Journal: Prev Med Date: 2016-09-28 Impact factor: 4.018