Older women's experience with a benign breast biopsy—a mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Limited understanding of the psychological impact of benign breast biopsies on older women.
• Focus on the experiences of women aged 65 and above.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the psychological impact and lived experiences of women aged 65 and older following a benign breast biopsy.
• To assess changes in psychological distress over a six-month period post-biopsy.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
• Inclusion of 94 English-speaking women aged 65+ with a benign breast biopsy result, assessed before knowing results and six months later.
• Utilized the Psychological Consequences of Screening Mammography questionnaire (PCQ) and open-ended interviews to gather data on anxiety, discomfort, and information needs.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in negative psychological consequences was observed, from 76% at biopsy to 39% at six months (p < 0.01).
• Commonly reported issues included anxiety (29%) and discomfort (28%) during the biopsy procedure.
• Participants expressed a need for enhanced information regarding the biopsy process and interpretation of results, with 44% reporting anxiety about future mammograms.

Conclusions:

• Benign breast biopsies impose a substantial psychological burden on older women, which decreases but does not fully resolve over time.
• Improved pre-biopsy and post-biopsy information is crucial for mitigating the psychological distress experienced by older women.
• Addressing information gaps can help alleviate anxiety associated with breast biopsies and future screenings.