Managing anxiety during the diagnostic evaluation of breast cancerLiterature reviewBreast cancer is the most common cancer in women. In 2008, more than 1 million women underwent diagnostic evaluation for suspected breast cancer. Approximately 182,500 women out of more than 1 million assessed also received a positive diagnosis (Montgomery, 2010). Risk factors for breast cancer include: gender, age, family history, history of breast cancer, previous biopsy, race and ethnicity, breast density, and long menstrual history in due to prolonged hormonal stimulation. Modifiable associated risk factors also include hormone replacement therapy, alcohol, weight, and physical activity (Giurescu, Hu, Obembe, 2010). The period between initial discovery of a breast mass and diagnosis is known to cause considerable suffering and distress for patients (Liao, Chen, Chen, Chen, 2009). Patients should receive care during this time because “unresolved distress can lead to future mental health and adjustment difficulties” (Lally, 2010). Patients suspected of having breast cancer who received informational and psychological supportive care during their diagnosis period had an improved psychological state compared to patients who did not receive supportive care. The care received should be both culturally sensitive and individualized for each patient. Additionally, patient care must be combined with ongoing assessment of their psychological and emotional state. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of supportive care on women's anxiety levels during the diagnosis period. Supportive care included assessing participants' health care and support needs...... middle of document ......s objective in providing education, keeping in mind that information may need to be repeated, providing emotional support and access to ongoing support, as well as using measurable tools to determine the effectiveness of interventions. ReferencesGiurescu, M., Hu, T. and Obembe, O. (2010). Role of imaging in breast cancer detection.AAOHN Journal, 58(4), 131-134.Lally, R. (2010). Acclimatization to breast cancer: a process of maintaining self-integrity during the pretreatment period. Cancer Nursing, 33(4), 268-279. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.Liao, M., Chen, P., Chen, M., and Chen, S. (2010). Effect of supportive care on the anxiety of women suspected of breast cancer. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66 (1), 49-59. Montgomery, M. (2010). Uncertainty during breast diagnostic evaluation: state of the science. Oncology Nursing Forum, 37(1), 77-83.