Gender issues in patients with extremity soft-tissue sarcoma: A pilot study

Soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) affects men and women with equal frequency and co mmonly presents as an asymptomatic mass in patients 40 to 50 years of age. Recent study has identified physical, emotional and psychological factors a ssociated with a diagnosis of malignancy, but the issues affecting the STS patient population may differ from those of more common cancers due to phys ical dis-ability secondary to treatment. Research to date has not dealt spe cifically with gender differences in the reaction and adaptation to the can cer diagnosis. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the treatment expe riences of five males and five females treated with surgery and radiation f or STS of the thigh and followed posttreatment for at feast 2 years. The op en-ended interview was used so collect data, which was then subjected to a constant comparative analysis technique. The STS patients shared many conce rns of cancer patients, with additional physical complaints. Physical sympt oms were common to men and women, but women adapted more easily with explan ation. Women feared losing life, family role, and relationships. Along with men, they also feared the losses of limb and career. For women, support in cluded faith and shaving stories with others, whereas men preferred to deal with their illnesses individually and concealed emotions from loved ones. The perception of disease time frame was also distinct, with men adopting a fatalistic attitude and regarding their disease as an isolated episode. Wo men believed their condition was ongoing, Women need repeated information f rom several sources along with reassurance and increased social support.