Concern about cancer in women undergoing elective gynaecological surgery

Interviews were conducted with 63 women aged 18-75 shortly after their admission to hospital for routine non-cancer gynaecological surgery. Three groups were studied: major surgery, chiefly hysterectomy, carried out for benign conditions (n = 25); minor surgery such as dilatation and curettage (n = 29); fertility investigations and sterilisations (n = 9). Women were asked whether they worried if they were suffering from seven serious illnesses including heart disease, breast cancer and gynaecological cancer (cancer of the cervix, womb or ovaries). Significantly more women were concerned that they suffered from gynaecological cancer than any other illness. When asked why they were worried, over 85% of those expressing concern believed that their current gynaecological problem stemmed from cancer. Worry about gynaecological cancer was positively associated with psychiatric status and gynaecological knowledge, and negatively with satisfaction with treatment. A link with presenting clinical symptoms was also identified. This study revealed high levels of unwarranted distress in women undergoing routine surgery. Such fears may not be allayed, since surgeons and staff may not consider cancer to be relevant to the patient's clinical condition.