Is attendance at an ovarian cancer screening clinic a worry-reducing event? Findings from pre- to post-screening

Abstract Objective Many studies have examined the relationship between worry and cancer screening. Due to methodological inconsistencies, results of these studies have varied and few conclusions can be made when generalizing across studies. The purpose of the current study was to better understand the worry-cancer screening relationship using a prospective research design. Method 180 women enrolled in an annual ovarian cancer (OC) screening clinic completed surveys at three time points—pre-screening, day of screening, and post-screening—using three measures of cancer-specific worry. Results OC worry was highest in the weeks prior to screening and mere presentation at a screening clinic was associated with a significant worry decline. Observed elevations in worry following abnormal screening were not universal and varied by the instrument used to measure worry. Conclusions In contrast to our hypotheses, it appears that mere presentation at a cancer screening clinic may be a worry-reducing event. Receipt of abnormal results was not necessarily associated with increased worry.