Pain and anxiety related to mammography in breast cancer patients. Psychological evaluation in an experimental study]

Previous research focusing on one-time screening rather than repeat adherence, have largely pointed out that anxiety levels and pain expectation are the most common factors which may act as a barrier to mammography. These studies also show that anxiety pain and depression are very often associated with the experience of mammography. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a supportive psychological intervention can be effective in reducing these feelings in patients undergoing follow-up mammographyThe study was performed on 60 women who had already received a diagnosis of breast cancer. In order to detect the variables of depression, anxiety and pain before and after mammography the following questionnaires were administered to the patients: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS).The results of this study show that our psychological intervention significantly lowered the levels of state anxiety and pain but it had no effect on depression. A psychological approach giving patients both emotional and informational support about the examination, may significantly reduce state anxiety levels and the pain felt during mammography.