Breast and gynecological cancer patients' risk factors associated with biopsychosocial problem-related distress

Inequalities exist between breast and gynecological cancer patients' experiences, leading to high levels of distress throughout the cancer journey. The present study aims to identify differences in source of biopsychosocial problem-related distress between women diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancers.

From 2009 to 2016, women with breast (n = 2111) and gynecological (n = 641) cancers were screened using the core items of the instrument You, Your Family, and City of Hope are a Team. This is a touch screen-based instrument that assess problem-related distress due to physical, practical, functional, emotional, and other problems and identifies types of assistance requested. Data were analyzed using the linear regression model.

A significant difference in overall biopsychosocial problems rated as high distress was found between breast (M = 5.0) and gynecological (M = 6.2) cancer patients (P < .001). Gynecological cancer patients endorsed a greater number of problems to talk with a member of the team (alone or with written information), while both cancer groups requested written information equally. Gynecological cancer was associated with higher physical, functional, emotional, and total distress. Younger patients, non-Asian, and those with lower education and lower household income also reported greater distress.

Gynecological cancer patients represent a high-risk group, reporting greater problem-related distress and higher levels of requested assistance. Age, education, race/ethnicity, and income were found to be potential risk factors. Findings highlight the importance of considering characteristics and special needs related to specific types of cancer to assist in the effective treatment of distress throughout the continuum of care.