Thursday, February 9, 2012
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

Waiting for biopsy results makes stress skyrocket

(The New York Times) UPDATED 2009-03-02
A new study suggests that waiting for the results of a breast biopsy is as stressful for women as getting a cancer diagnosis. Researchers monitored the level of the stress hormone cortisol in 125 women waiting for biopsy results. While most women waited an average of 2.5 days, some women waited nearly a week before hearing results, and their cortisol levels were essentially the same as the women who found out that they had breast cancer. Experts say this study highlights the need for better communication, as well as possible psychological services for women who are waiting for test results.  Read full story >
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