Melissa Allyson Hayes MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mary Scott Soo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Lauren Shenk Miller MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rebecca Shelby, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sora Christina Yoon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jay Alan Baker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, Siemens AG

The purpose of our study was to investigate how time from breast biopsy recommendation to biopsy procedure affects patient anxiety.

As part of an observational pilot study, 140 women recommended for imaging-guided percutaneous breast procedures (29% stereotactic- and 71% ultrasound-guided) completed self report questionnaires measuring state anxiety (STAI-S) immediately before biopsy. At the time of biopsy, women also completed a series of questionnaires including measures of chronic life stress and socio-demographic characteristics. The date of biopsy recommendation, date of biopsy, and histologic outcome were also recorded.

Participants were on average 52 (standard deviation [SD]=14) years old and had 15 (SD=4) years of education; 56% of the sample was married, and 72% was Caucasian. Histology was benign in 67% of patients, malignant in 26% of patients, and 7% of patients were recommended for excisional/further biopsy. The time from date of biopsy recommendation to date of biopsy averaged 6.7 (SD=9.3, range 0 to 68, median 5) days. Multiple linear regression analyses showed a significant interaction between days to biopsy and chronic life stress [Days to Biopsy x Chronic Life Stress B=-.013, SE=.006, p<.05]. Graphical interpretation of the interaction term showed that time (days) from recommendation to biopsy was associated with increased pre-biopsy anxiety in women with low and average amounts of chronic life stress. However, women with high levels of chronic life stress experienced higher levels of anxiety regardless of the wait time between recommendation and biopsy. A similar trend was found for a history of traumatic life events [Days to Biopsy x Traumatic Life Events B=-.13, SE=.07, p=.07].

The results of our study demonstrate that shorter time to biopsy is associated with lower anxiety among women with low or average chronic life stress, and these women may benefit from expediting the biopsy procedure. However, women with high levels of chronic life stress experience higher levels of pre-biopsy anxiety regardless of the wait time, and additional strategies for managing anxiety may be necessary in these women.

Understanding how wait times for breast biopsy affect anxiety in women with varying degrees of chronic life stress could help target appropriate anxiety reduction strategies in these patients.

Hayes, M, Soo, M, Miller, L, Shelby, R, Yoon, S, Baker, J, Time between Breast Biopsy Recommendation and Biopsy Procedure: Impact of the “Waiting Game” on Patient Anxiety.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11013360.html