ASSESSING EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OF WOMEN WITH BREAST-CANCER - A SURVEY OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGISTS

Studies to identify women with breast cancer who are at risk for psych osocial morbidity have identified several predictors, two of which are the focus of this study: 1) prior psychiatric history, and 2) poor in itial emotional response to diagnosis. To examine current medical prac tice a survey was mailed to members of the Society of Surgical Oncolog y (response rate = 41.21%) asking how often they assess these two fact ors, reasons for not doing so, and asssessment methods. Results indica te that the majority rarely assess psychiatric history but frequently assess current emotional state, primarily using interview questions. R ecommendations are presented to increase the likelihood of psychiatric assessment and enhance its value to the patient and physician.