Expressions of cervical cancer-related signs and symptoms

• Published in: European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society 2011-02, Vol.15 (1), p.67-72
• Main Authors: Issah, Fati, Maree, Johanna E, Mwinituo, Prudence P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic Medical Centers; Adult; Aged; Awareness; Black women; Cervical cancer; Communication; Communication Barriers; Delayed Diagnosis - psychology; Delayed Diagnosis - statistics & numerical data; Developing Countries; Early Detection of Cancer; Expression; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Knowledge; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Nurse's Role; Nurses; Nursing; Nursing Methodology Research; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - ethnology; Patient Education as Topic; Professional-Patient Relations; Qualitative Research; Sampling; Self Report; Signs; South Africa; South Africa - epidemiology; Symptoms; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - complications; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - diagnosis; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - ethnology; Women; Women - education; Women - psychology
• ISSN: 1462-3889; 1532-2122
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2010.06.003

Abstract Background Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Although developing countries are the hardest hit by cervical cancer, women living in Europe are also at risk for this disease. Purpose of the study The purpose of the study was to explore how women treated for cervical cancer at an academic hospital in Tshwane, South Africa, expressed their cervical cancer-related signs and symptoms during the initial consultation with health care professionals. Methods and sample A qualitative, exploratory and contextual research design was used. The sampling method was purposive and convenience. Self-reported data were gathered using semi-structured interviews. Diekelmann’s hermeneutical analysis approach was used to analyze the data. The sample size totaled 12 ( n  = 12). Results Four themes emerged from the data – ignorance, communication, delayed diagnosis and expectations. All participants lacked knowledge and awareness of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. The majority failed to communicate the real nature of their signs and symptoms and was only diagnosed after several visits to the primary health clinic. Conclusion Nurses should use every opportunity to screen women for cervical cancer as the woman might not be able to express her cervical cancer-related signs and symptoms.