THE CARE OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGERY FOR GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER - THE NEED FOR INFORMATION, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND COUNSELING

This study was undertaken by interviewing 105 patients who had undergone major gynaecological surgery for carcinoma of the cervix or vulva in the previous 5 years. A high proportion of the women was still found to be depressed and anxious when interviewed and the majority reported chronic sexual problems. The women were asked if they had received enough information regarding their illness and its treatment, and a high proportion would have liked to have had more information on the after-effects of the operation, including physical, sexual and emotional aspects. Many of the younger women would have liked their partner to have been included in the discussions and 25% of the 40 partners who responded to the questionnaire would have liked more information on the illness and its treatment. The women also indicated their needs for emotional support, discussion and counselling.