PURPOSE: This study examined coping responses in women diagnosed with Stage I or Stage II breast cancer. METHODS: A convenience sample of 36 patients with breast cancer was administered the Reaction to Diagnosis of Cancer Questionnaire (RDCQ) at 2 days and 30 days postmastectomy. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in RDCQ scores between 2 days and 30 days postmastectomy (t = -1.57, P = 0.127). However, a significant change in the mean difference of the RDCQ scores was observed in women who had immediate breast reconstruction when compared to those women who did not have reconstruction (t = -2.34, P = 0.037). Additional results indicated that age and RDCQ scores had an inverse relationship, and women who were employed had significantly lower RDCQ scores at 30 days postmastectomy, indicating less positive coping. The variables of marital status, educational level, and number of days since diagnosis were not significant. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study may assist healthcare providers in understanding what affects coping in women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.
PURPOSE: This study examined coping responses in women diagnosed with Stage I or Stage II breast cancer. METHODS: A convenience sample of 36 patients with breast cancer was administered the Reaction to Diagnosis of Cancer Questionnaire (RDCQ) at 2 days and 30 days postmastectomy. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in RDCQ scores between 2 days and 30 days postmastectomy (t = -1.57, P = 0.127). However, a significant change in the mean difference of the RDCQ scores was observed in women who had immediate breast reconstruction when compared to those women who did not have reconstruction (t = -2.34, P = 0.037). Additional results indicated that age and RDCQ scores had an inverse relationship, and women who were employed had significantly lower RDCQ scores at 30 days postmastectomy, indicating less positive coping. The variables of marital status, educational level, and number of days since diagnosis were not significant. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study may assist healthcare providers in understanding what affects coping in women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.