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Cervical cancer

Behavioral factors related to screening, diagnosis, and survivors' quality of life

  1. Karen Basen-Engquist Ph.D., M.P.H.1,
  2. Electra D. Paskett Ph.D.2,
  3. Joanne Buzaglo Ph.D.3,
  4. Suzanne M. Miller Ph.D.3,
  5. Leslie Schover Ph.D.1,
  6. Lari B. Wenzel Ph.D.4,
  7. Diane C. Bodurka M.D.5

Article first published online: 22 OCT 2003

DOI: 10.1002/cncr.11681

Issue

Cancer

Cancer

Special Issue: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Cervical Cancer

Supplement: Second International Conference on Cervical Cancer

Volume 98, Issue Supplement S9, pages 2009–2014, 1 November 2003

Additional Information

How to Cite

Basen-Engquist, K., Paskett, E. D., Buzaglo, J., Miller, S. M., Schover, L., Wenzel, L. B. and Bodurka, D. C. (2003), Cervical cancer. Cancer, 98: 2009–2014. doi: 10.1002/cncr.11681

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas

  2. 2

    Division of Epidemiology and Biometrics, School of Public Health, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio

  3. 3

    Psychosocial and Behavioral Medicine Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  4. 4

    Department of Medicine, Epidemiology Division, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, California

  5. 5

    Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 22 OCT 2003
  2. Article first published online: 22 OCT 2003
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 13 FEB 2003
  4. Manuscript Revised: 7 FEB 2003
  5. Manuscript Received: 31 OCT 2002

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Keywords:

  • cervical cancer;
  • mass screening;
  • Papanicolaou smear;
  • colposcopy;
  • sexual rehabilitation

Abstract

Behavioral and psychosocial factors affect all aspects of cervical cancer control, from prevention to posttreatment rehabilitation. Behavioral scientists gathered at the Second International Conference on Cervical Cancer (Houston, TX, April 11–14, 2002) reviewed selected studies of behavioral factors related to cervical cancer, including women's receptivity to emerging cervical cancer screening and diagnostic technologies, factors that influence adherence to follow-up colposcopy recommendations, and cervical cancer survivors' quality of life. Researchers reported that reduced distress during examinations with new technology may improve adherence to cervical cancer screening recommendations. Until new technology becomes mainstream, research shows that distress is reduced and adherence improves when health care providers match interventions to patients' informational processing styles. Investigations of survivors' quality of life report conflicting findings, but studies indicate that survivors experience anger over reproductive loss, loss of interest in sex, and perhaps a greater vulnerability to sexual dysfunction compared with survivors of other cancers. Survivors also report a need for posttherapy support programs. Primary prevention of cervical cancer should remain a priority as research in behavioral interventions and barriers to screening, especially among vulnerable populations, moves forward. Cancer 2003;98(9 Suppl):2009–2014. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

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