3 common psychological states of cervical cancer patients before surgery

The incidence of cervical cancer ranks first among gynecological malignancies, posing a great threat to the patient's physical and mental health. Female patients have complex psychology and heavy mental burdens. The patient's psychological problems should be understood before surgery to facilitate timely care.

1. Fear

Fear is a common psychological reaction to malignant tumors, including fear of accumulated disease, fear of loneliness, fear of pain, fear of separation from loved ones, etc. Fear can cause negative emotions, mainly worries about the results of surgical treatment. The continued existence of fear keeps the patient's body in a state of stress, which is not conducive to the progress of surgery.

2. Anxiety

Anxiety is a defensive reaction, an emotional response when one senses an impending danger or threat before being exposed to a stressor. Cervical cancer patients may experience vaginal bleeding, white or bloody vaginal discharge, and even late-stage symptoms such as frequent urination, anal swelling, constipation, tenesmus, and lower limb swelling. These discomforts may make patients think of the severity of their illness and cause anxiety reactions.

3. Despair

For patients in the middle or late stages with more serious conditions, if the success rate of surgery is low, even other treatments cannot guarantee complete removal of the tumor, the patients will despair about their survival, and may even refuse all treatments and have thoughts of suicide. Some patients need a total hysterectomy. Traditional concepts believe that the uterus is a symbol of womanhood, and after the operation they are no longer a complete woman, and are unable to give birth, and their sex life is also affected. Patients lose confidence in life and become desperate.