Assessment of the chances of recovery in gynecologic tumors - Results of a survey in unaffected women

Purpose: The intention of women to participate in cancer screening programs depends on their knowledge of the disease and their expectations concerning the chances of cure after the diagnosis of cancer. In a questionnaire survey the level of knowledge and the oppinion of healthy women regarding the chances of recovery in cervical cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer has been assessed. Material and Methods: 2081 women in gynecologic practises and the outpatient department of the university answered a 85-item questionnaire concerning their knowledge of gynecological cancer. 5 questions dealt with the expectation of the effect of cancer therapy with respect to the potential cure of the patients. These data have been analysed. Results: The degree of information about gynecologic tumors was low. Only 28% of the participants had information about endometrial cancer, 46% stated that they were informed about cervical or (36%) ovarian cancer. Younger women were significantly less informed about cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer than peri- or postmenopausal women. The chance of recovery in gynecological cancer was less positively assessed in the opinion of younger women than in that of older participants. Conclusion: The low rate of participation in gynecologic screening programs might be explained by a significant information deficit in the female population. Especially younger women should have the chance to gain more information about malignant gynecologic tumors and the chances of recovers offered by modern oncologic medicine.