Psychological burden of women with mild cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Forty women with diagnosis of CIN I attending our outpatient colposcopic clinic were evaluated regarding psychological distress and compliance to follow-up after they had been informed about their diagnosis. In our study 52.9% of the women (n=21) (group A) reported that they did not get sufficient information concerning diagnosis, while 47.1% of the women (n=19) received sufficient information (group B). Women with adequate information had less fear of having cancer than women with inadequate information (P=0.03). As expected these women had a statistically increased distress (P=0.004). In group A the patients reported that the follow-up period reinforced the anxiety compared to group B (P=0.04). The compliance for regular attendance of cervical cancer screening programs after treatment was significantly better in group B compared to group A (P=0.02). Our study indicates that adequate information for women about the diagnosis CIN I, reassurance and understanding from medical staff are vital for the success in the treatment of patients with mild dyskaryosis. The gynaecologist's counselling strategy plays a major role in these psychological effects.