Citation

Martino MA, Balar A, Cragun JM, Hoffman MS. Gynecol. Oncol. 2005; 99(2): 507-509.

Affiliation

Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Martinma@moffitt.usf.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Academic Press)

DOI

10.1016/j.ygyno.2005.06.034

PMID

16051331

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is underreported and creates a complex psychosocial medium that adversely affects the health of its victims. We present the first case report in the literature, though likely not the first time, in which a patient delayed her cancer treatment due to domestic abuse and her disease progressed. CASE: A 41-year-old female with vaginal bleeding was diagnosed with cervical cancer. After several years of declining recommendations for treatment, she was questioned separate from her partner and she revealed a long-standing history of abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians must be aware of the signs of spousal abuse to lessen negative impact on the treatment of their patients. Once domestic violence is discovered, there are many resources available to help patients with their needs.

Language: en