Psychosocial Impact of Cancer in Low-Income Rural/Urban Women: Phase I

Abstract

Data reported here are from phase one of a larger ongoing study of depression and cancer-related quality of life in low-income rural and urban Southern women who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer. This phase of the pilot project examined the psychosocial impact of a new diagnosis of breast or cervical cancer and identified personal issues and concerns of those diagnosed. A telephone survey design was used to solicit information from 28 low-income rural and urban Southern women regarding diagnosis, treatment, side-effects, available support systems, coping techniques, barriers to treatment, and the significance of God or spirituality during the course of their illnesses. Content analysis indicated that many similarities exist in the experiences of rural and urban women regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or residence. However, many differences exist that negatively impact and contribute to health disparity and an unequal distribution of cancer burden.