Incidence of distress and associated factors in women undergoing breast diagnostic evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of distress and factors associated with distress in women undergoing breast diagnostic evaluations. A total of 128 women undergoing a breast biopsy at three hospitals completed a set of nine standardized instruments. The presence of distress was identified with 14% having symptoms above the cutoff point for clinical anxiety.

Experiences of non-navigated women undergoing breast diagnostic evaluation.

During the diagnostic period, women need appropriate, timely information regarding tests and procedures. Nurse navigator programs were developed to combat the negative effects on survival that are caused by delays in the diagnosis of breast cancer and lack of support from the healthcare team. Nurse navigators decreased barriers to care, increased patient satisfaction, and lowered anxiety in women undergoing diagnostic evaluation.