Risk for bladder cancer. Psychological impact of notification

Abstract

Informing persons that they were exposed to a carcinogenic chemical (.beta.-naphthylamine) may adversely affect these persons and their families. The psychological impact of bladder cancer notification and screening program on persons at risk and their families was identified and assessed. Approximately 140 subjects were randomly selected from 850 workers exposed to .beta.-naphthylamine. The Family APGAR, Impact of Event Scale, and Improved Readability Form of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Invenstory were administered within 4 wk of the iniital medical screening and readministered 6 mo. later. Results show no evidence of disruption to families or substantive psychopathology among these persons. While the actual acquisition of cancer is undoubtedly a psychological trauma, mere notification of risk may not be traumatic in every situation.