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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 3/2020

Open Access 01-09-2020 | Human Papillomavirus | Gynecologic Oncology

Psychological distress in cervical cancer screening: results from a German online survey

Authors: M. Jentschke, R. Lehmann, N. Drews, A. Hansel, M. Schmitz, P. Hillemanns

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 3/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

The PODCAD study aimed at assessing the degree of psychological stress that women experience due to notification of an abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear finding or a positive human papillomavirus (HPV) test result.

Methods

We designed a survey to address the question of psychological burden due to abnormal Pap smear results and/or positive HPV tests. In this online campaign approach, we aimed to reach > 2000 women all over Germany irrespective of kind and number of abnormal screening findings. We asked for different kinds of anxiety, distress and uncertainty regarding both, Pap and HPV status.

Results

A total of 3753 women completed the survey at least partially, and almost 2300 fully completed the survey. Of these, more than 50% were affected already since more than 1 year, and almost half of them had experienced at least three Pap smears in follow-up examinations. Almost 70% of the women were afraid of developing cancer. Intriguingly, almost half of the women with abnormal findings were not aware of their stage of the Pap smear. Furthermore, almost 30% of the women displayed signs of a post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion

Abnormal results in cervical cancer screening have an impact on patients’ psychology, irrespective of the knowledge and severity of the findings. Better information concerning risks and benefits of cervical cancer screening and about the meaning of the outcome of its procedures are required to decrease this anxiety.
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Metadata
Title
Psychological distress in cervical cancer screening: results from a German online survey
Authors
M. Jentschke
R. Lehmann
N. Drews
A. Hansel
M. Schmitz
P. Hillemanns
Publication date
01-09-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-020-05661-9

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