Ovarian Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cancer, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, information.

A qualitative study examining psychosocial distress, coping, and social support across the stages and phases of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Power J, Brown L, Ritvo P

Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. jpower3@connect.carleton.ca

Ovarian cancer patients experience high levels of anxiety and depression, yet there is little research regarding coping and support of this population. In this study we examined the experiences of women during diagnosis and treatment via 30 semistructured interviews. The interviews were analyzed qualitatively, and five main themes were evident: (1) extreme blunting; (2) having a "forgotten cancer"; (3) traumatic surprise of diagnosis; (4) highs and lows of health care; and (5) support gap experienced postdiagnosis. Currently, there is no readily accessible psychosocial/educational information source for these patients. It is likely that a telephone intervention would be the most effective solution.

Published 4 April 2008 in Health Care Women Int, 29(4): 366-83.
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