A cross-sectional study of fear of surgery in female breast cancer patients: Prevalence, severity, and sources, as well as relevant differences among patients experiencing high, moderate, and low fear of surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fear of surgery has been associated with more postoperative pain, disability, and a lower quality of life among patients undergoing various surgical procedures. While qualitative studies indicate breast cancer patients to be afraid of surgery, detailed quantitative analyses are lacking. The present research aimed at investigating the prevalence, severity, and sources of fear of surgery in this patient group and to compare patients reporting different degrees of such fear.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 204 breast cancer patients, 18-70 years old, and scheduled for surgery at Oslo University Hospital, Norway. Following their preoperative visit participants completed validated psychological questionnaires online. Among these, the primary outcome measure

SUBMITTER: Engel S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10289430 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature