Loading…

Psychological effects of being offered choice of surgery for breast cancer

Anxiety 7/52(13) 9/42(21) -8(-23 to 7) Depression 9/52(17) 3/42(7) 10(-3 to 23) Comment Although no evidence exists to support the notion that choice prevents psychological morbidity, the data show the importance of effective communication when diagnosis and treatment options are discussed to the lo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ 1994-08, Vol.309 (6952), p.448-448
Main Authors: Fallowfield, L J, Hall, A, Maguire, P, Baum, M, A’Hern, R P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Anxiety 7/52(13) 9/42(21) -8(-23 to 7) Depression 9/52(17) 3/42(7) 10(-3 to 23) Comment Although no evidence exists to support the notion that choice prevents psychological morbidity, the data show the importance of effective communication when diagnosis and treatment options are discussed to the long term adjustment to treatment of breast cancer. A study of 150 women with recently diagnosed breast cancer showed that only 20% wanted an active role in deciding their treatment; 28% preferred to share decision making, and 52% wished the surgeon to decide. 5 Much is written about patients' rights, and adequate information about options, side effects, and realistic therapeutic benefits are crucial; but women also have a right to decline the opportunity to participate in decision making.
ISSN:0959-8138
0959-8146
1468-5833
1756-1833
DOI:10.1136/bmj.309.6952.448