Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2011

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

DNP

College

School of Nursing

Department

Not Listed

Committee Chair

Susan McCrone.

Abstract

Many women have risk factors that can increase their risk for developing breast cancer. These women may benefit from recommendations based on their personal and family history. Women at increased risk may experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, or cancer worry than women who are at average or only slightly increased risk. By providing these women with an accurate risk assessment, these factors may be decreased. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of a nurse-run clinic for women at increased risk for breast cancer on anxiety, depression, and cancer worry.;A pre-test/post-test longitudinal design was used with a convenience sample of women at increased risk for breast cancer. Participants completed a Modified Ways of Coping Scale, the State portion of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Brief Zung Self Rating Depression Scale, and Lerman's Breast Cancer Worry Scale prior to their appointment. Two weeks after the appointment, participants were asked to complete the anxiety, depression and cancer worry tools again by mail. Demographic data was also collected.;The visits were tailored based on the coping questionnaire. Results were marginally significant for a decrease in anxiety. Results were non-significant for depression and cancer worry. Means for all variables decreased. Recommendations include continuing to assess anxiety, depression, and cancer worry at the high-risk clinic at ECCC.

Share

COinS