Psychosocial impact of a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy

Nurs Womens Health. 2013 Oct;17(5):437-42. doi: 10.1111/1751-486X.12067.

Abstract

Although a rare occurrence, cancer is sometimes diagnosed during or shortly after pregnancy. This article reviews two recent studies that specifically examine the psychosocial impact of a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy. Researchers have identified risk factors that may exacerbate women's anxiety, stress or distress during these co-occurring events. Nurses are in a unique position to support women dealing with a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy.

Keywords: cancer; gestational breast cancer. pregnancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / diagnosis
  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Decision Making
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / etiology
  • Evidence-Based Nursing
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Linear Models
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Mothers / statistics & numerical data
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Nurse's Role*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / psychology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / therapy
  • Pregnancy Outcome / psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support*
  • Stress, Psychological / diagnosis*
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires