Participant Characteristics.

Background
Breast and cervical cancers are major health issues globally, with particularly high burdens in sub-Saharan Africa, including Gabon. Limited epidemiological data and insufficient attention to the psychological impacts of these cancers highlight critical research gaps. This study aimed to explore the psychological repercussions experienced by Gabonese women following the disclosure of a breast or cervical cancer diagnosis.
Methods
A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2023 at the Institut de Cancérologie d’Akanda. Women recently diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer were recruited using a consecutive sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and one focus group to explore emotional responses, coping strategies, and perceptions of patient–provider interactions. In addition, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was administered to assess depressive symptoms.
Results
Thirteen Gabonese women diagnosed with breast (n = 10) or cervical cancer (n = 3) participated in this mixed-methods study. Following the disclosure, all patients reported depressive symptoms ranging from minimal to moderately severe (PHQ-9). Qualitative analysis revealed intense emotional distress, including anxiety, sadness, sleep disturbances, and despair. The diagnosis affected participants’ identity, body image, and social relationships, reinforcing feelings of stigma, isolation, and loss. Beliefs about disease etiology and social representations shaped emotional responses. While some relied on spirituality, social support, or personal resilience to cope, others expressed unmet psychological needs. Participants emphasized the importance of clear, compassionate communication from healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for empathy, trust, and active listening during diagnosis disclosure.
Conclusion
This pioneering study in Gabon identifies profound psychological effects associated with breast and cervical cancer diagnosis disclosure. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved psychosocial support, effective communication training for healthcare providers, and culturally tailored interventions to address mental health concerns in this population.

### 研究背景
乳腺癌与宫颈癌是全球范围内的重大公共卫生问题，在撒哈拉以南非洲地区（包括加蓬）的疾病负担尤为沉重。此类癌症的流行病学数据匮乏，且对其心理影响的关注不足，凸显了关键的研究空白。本研究旨在探究加蓬女性在获知乳腺癌或宫颈癌诊断结果后所经历的心理反应。

### 研究方法
本研究于2023年3月至5月在阿卡恩达癌症研究所（Institut de Cancérologie d’Akanda）开展，采用混合方法横断面研究方案。研究纳入近期确诊乳腺癌或宫颈癌的女性受试者，采用连续抽样法进行招募。数据通过半结构化个人访谈与1个焦点小组座谈会收集，以探究受试者的情绪反应、应对策略及对医患互动的认知。此外，本研究采用患者健康问卷9项版（Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9）评估受试者的抑郁症状。

### 研究结果
本混合方法研究共纳入13名加蓬女性受试者，其中10名确诊乳腺癌，3名确诊宫颈癌。获知诊断结果后，所有受试者均报告存在程度从轻微至中度严重的抑郁症状（PHQ-9评分）。质性分析结果显示，受试者存在强烈的情绪困扰，具体表现为焦虑、悲伤、睡眠障碍与绝望感。诊断结果对受试者的自我认同、身体意象及社会关系均造成影响，加剧了其病耻感、孤立感与丧失感。受试者对疾病病因的认知与社会表征，影响了其情绪反应模式。部分受试者通过精神信仰、社会支持或个人韧性进行应对，另有部分受试者则表示其心理需求未得到满足。受试者均强调医护人员开展清晰且富有同理心的沟通的重要性，指出在告知诊断结果时，需具备共情能力、建立信任关系并做到积极倾听。

### 研究结论
这项在加蓬开展的开创性研究，明确了乳腺癌与宫颈癌诊断告知后所伴随的显著心理影响。本研究结果凸显了以下方面的迫切需求：为该人群提供更完善的社会心理支持、对医护人员开展有效的沟通技能培训，以及制定符合当地文化特色的干预方案，以应对该人群的心理健康问题。