Barriers to Care for Patients With Cervical Cancer or Precancerous Lesions

Objectives:

1. To identify issues preventing access to early cervical cancer detection and treatment among Harris County cervical cancer patients.
2. To examine correlations between responses on religiosity surveys, locus of control (LOC), education, economics, literacy assessment, and stage of disease at presentation for treatment.
3. To examine possible changes in responses to surveys after treatment is concluded.
4. To use this information to design intervention to improve the health status and health outcomes of this patient population.
5. The objective of Dr. Ramondetta's role as PI for this study is to serve as mentor to the LBJ resident conducting this trial at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital (LBJ), review data with him, and advise him as needed as he prepares for publication. She will also inform eligible patients in her LBJ clinic of the opportunity to participate in this study.
6. The objective of Dr. Milbourne's, Dr. Rhodes', Dr. Bevers', and Dr. Frumovitz' roles is to apprise patients in the LBJ clinics (Colposcopy and Gyn-Onc) of this study, then to contact the resident's research team to complete the consenting and implementation process.

Little is known about what prevents women with cervical cancer or CIS from getting early and possibly curative treatment. This study consists of a series of questionnaires that ask questions about religion; coping; access to health care; physical, emotional, spiritual well-being; understanding of health questions; control; fear; anxiety; and other health beliefs to determine why some women delay coming in for check-ups and why some women do not complete their treatments. It is thought that health beliefs influence behavior practices and that by identifying these issues, things can be done to improve the health condition and results for these patients.

You are being asked to take part in this study because you are a patient with newly diagnosed cervical cancer stage IA1 through IVB or CIS and are seen in the gynecologic-oncology or colposcopy clinic at LBJ General Hospital.

This is an investigational study. About 40 patients will be enrolled at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital.

Patients with newly diagnosed cervical cancer or precancerous lesions (CIS) seen in the Gynecologic-Oncology or Colposcopy Clinic at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Inclusion Criteria:

1) All newly diagnosed cervical cancer patients through Stage IVB presenting to the Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital (LBJ) Gynecologic Oncology Clinic.

Exclusion Criteria:

1) Patients who are not English or Spanish speaking. Is there an age limit? No