MODERATE AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE LEADS TO MORE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Contact: Alison Ruffin
Phone: (713) 794-1731
Email: aruffin@mail.mdanderson.org
Embargoed until: March 16, 2002

BARCELONA, SPAIN-- Women with ovarian cancer fare better when they learn a great deal about their illness-and also when they know very little about it, according to a recent study.

Women with a moderate amount of knowledge about the disease may be more likely to become depressed, anxious and stressed, according to researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

"We need to ensure that we provide information about complex issues, such as CA-125 testing, in ways that patients accurately understand the reason for testing," says Dr. Patricia A. Parker, research associate of behavioral science and lead author of the study. The CA-125 test is a blood test helpful in detecting ovarian cancer.

Patients who learn more about ovarian cancer and CA-125 testing may experience reduced levels of depression, anxiety and stress, Dr. Parker says.

"This study tells us clearly about the need for patient education," she says. "An adequate amount of reliable information from us can play a vital role in reducing emotional stress for patients."

Additionally, in the absence of reliable information, patients risk finding inaccurate information about their disease from unscientific Web sites or other sources, Dr. Parker says.

About 23,000 women were expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer during 2001, according to the American Cancer Society. About 13,900 women were expected to die of the disease during the year. About 800 women in Texas were expected to die of ovarian cancer last year.

Screening recommendations for ovarian cancer include pelvic examination, CA-125 blood testing and transvaginal ultrasound. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit M. D. Anderson's Web site at www.mdanderson.org or call 1-800-392-1611. For more information about ovarian cancer, call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.

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