Personality traits in women with endometrial or cervical cancer

The objective of the study was to describe the personality characteristics of women with endometrial (n = 30) or cervical cancer (n = 30) and to test the hypothesis of diagnosis-specific personality profiles. The Karolinska Scales of Personality were administered at the first interview with the women before the initiation of treatment. Significant differences occurred both between the two clinical groups and in comparisons with healthy controls. Whereas the personality profile of the cervical group was almost identical to the controls, the endometrial group scored significantly lower on aggression scales and higher on social desirability and socialization. The findings of a normal personality profile in cervical cancer patients allow us to abandon some of the existing misconceptions and encourage us to consider personality factors in the management of those patients.