ABSTRACT

To determine the aff ecting anxiety factors experienced by women who visited the hospital owing to complaints concerning their breasts and the eff ect of a conclusive diagnosis upon this anxiety.

The 112 female patients with breast complaints included in this study. After examinations were conducted, detailed information regarding this study was provided to the patients. Measures of anxiety were ascertained by using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-TÖ). After a conclusive diagnosis was made and patient were informs about their medical conditions, the Hamilton Anxiety Measure was re-administered to 108 of the patients (HAM-TS.)

The mean HAM-TÖ and HAM-TS scores were 7.75 and 6.84, respectively. A signifi cant decreasing (p<0,05) in the anxiety scores of the group was observed. There was signifi cant decreasing in the anxiety levels of the patients among the group of those who had the habit of incorrect self examination of their breasts., the group of those with benign breast ailments who did not have a history of cancer in their families, and the group of those who thought that they had cancer when they sought recourse (p<0,05).

A signifi cant decreasing in anxiety levels was observed after diagnosis was made and patients were properly informed. While this condition was also observed not to make any eff ect on some groups, in general, it is clear that it is in the best interest of the patients to make conclusive diagnosis of their ailments and properly inform them.