Rapid Reduction in Cancer Worry Through a Mindfulness-based Coping Programme: Evidence from a Randomised Trial with Women Awaiting Biopsy Results.

BACKGROUND

Women referred for cervical screening because of abnormal cervical smears also require emotional and psychological support because of the fear of cancer diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to determine the effect of the Mindfulness-Based Coping programme on levels of cancer fear and awareness in women undergoing colposcopy.

METHODS

This is a prospective, single-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Research data was collected at a university hospital in Turkey between January 2022 and July 2023.

RESULTS

The study revealed significant findings. The mean cancer worry score of women in the intervention group decreased significantly compared to the control group, the mean discrimination sub-dimension score was significantly higher than the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < .001). Mean scores for acceptance were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the Mindfulness-Based Coping Programme, a nursing initiative, effectively reduces cancer-related anxiety in women and recommends its wider integration into clinical practice by healthcare professionals.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The integration of the Mindfulness-Based Coping Programme (MBCP) into standard colposcopy care is effective in reducing cancer-related anxiety and improving emotional well-being, thus promoting a more holistic approach to patient care.