Word 'Cancer' Causes Anxiety Among Women

Oncologists who treat breast cancer found that even the tiniest, most curable growths trigger extreme anxiety in women simply because the disease is called 'cancer', according to the Boston Globe.

According to the report, the diagnosis of self-contained cancers, also known as ductal carcinoma in situ can immediately be renamed to life the "big C" label.

The researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital found that women are more likely to decide against aggressive treatments when told they have "breast lesion" or "abnormal cells" instead of "noninvasive breast cancer".

The study published in the journal JAMA International Medicine surveyed nearly 400 healthy women who were asked by doctors whether they would choose surgery or a less invasive treatment if they were diagnosed with various breast abnormalities.

They were told that all pose the same risks of eventually turning into invasive cancer.

Half of the women responded saying they preferred to have surgery while one third said that they would choose that option if they were diagnosed with a breast lesion or abnormal cells.

The rest of the respondents said they would opt for preventive medications or active surveillance.

"I think this finding suggests that there's a potential for overtreatment," said study co-author Elissa Ozanne, director of risk assessment and decision support at the University of California.

"One solution might be to rename ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS, she said to take some of the fear out of the diagnosis".