Incidence of distress and associated factors in women undergoing breast diagnostic evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of distress and factors associated with distress in women undergoing breast diagnostic evaluations. A total of 128 women undergoing a breast biopsy at three hospitals completed a set of nine standardized instruments. The presence of distress was identified with 14% having symptoms above the cutoff point for clinical anxiety. In multiple regression analyses, trait anxiety alone explained 71% of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State score. A model with trait anxiety, satisfaction with health care, meaning in life, and friend support accounted for 66% of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score for depression. It appears that when faced with a potential cancer diagnosis, distress levels are based on personality and self-evaluation of whether one has the resources to adapt to life with cancer. Distress screening protocols need to be routinely included in diagnostic radiology appointments. Nurses should implement interventions focusing on providing information, facilitating communication, and offering psychosocial support.

Experiences of non-navigated women undergoing breast diagnostic evaluation.

During the diagnostic period, women need appropriate, timely information regarding tests and procedures. Nurse navigator programs were developed to combat the negative effects on survival that are caused by delays in the diagnosis of breast cancer and lack of support from the healthcare team. Nurse navigators decreased barriers to care, increased patient satisfaction, and lowered anxiety in women undergoing diagnostic evaluation. However, although patient navigation programs have become a presence in oncology centers, those programs and the accompanying support are not offered at every facility that provides components of diagnostic evaluation. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the experiences of women who underwent a breast diagnostic evaluation without any accompanying navigation services.