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Coping with ovarian cancer: do coping styles affect outcomes?
M Laura Hopkins1, Ian McDowell, Tien Le
1Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada. lahopkins@ottawahospital.on.ca
Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey
|April 21, 2005
Summary
Patients with ovarian cancer experience significant distress. Understanding coping strategies is crucial for improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychosocial Oncology
- Cancer Care
Background:
- Ovarian cancer treatment is arduous, involving surgery and chemotherapy.
- Patients face significant physical and emotional challenges.
- Coping mechanisms are vital for managing disease and treatment burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on coping strategies' impact on ovarian cancer patient outcomes.
- To critically appraise existing coping assessment scales.
- To identify gaps in knowledge and methodological challenges.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Medline, Cinahl, and PsycINFO databases.
- Keywords included "coping," "cancer," and "ovarian cancer."
- Critical appraisal of two widely used coping assessment scales.
Main Results:
- Limited research exists on coping strategies in ovarian cancer.
- Methodological challenges hinder the study of coping in this population.
- A need exists for a tailored instrument to assess coping in ovarian cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to understand coping in ovarian cancer.
- Developing a validated, tailored assessment tool is essential.
- Identifying maladaptive strategies can improve patient care and quality of life.