Linking Cancer and Intimate Partner Violence

Design: Face-to-face interviews were conducted every four months for a seven-year study to determine prevalence of cancer among abused women.

Sample: A total of 300 English and Spanish speaking women have been enrolled in the overarching seven-year study. Half of the total sample was recruited from the District Attorney’s (DA’s) office (n = 150), and the remaining half was recruited from various residential shelters for women experiencing IPV (n = 150).

Methods: The design yielded both quantitative and qualitative data.

Results: Of the 300 women, eight women reported receiving a cancer diagnosis, six of which were cervical cancers. The prevalence of cervical cancer reported by abused women, 20 women per 1,000, is significantly higher when compared to the rate of approximately 2 per 1,000 reported in the general population of women of the same ages. Abused women with cancer also reported high danger scores and risk for re-victimization

Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice: Chronic stress, depression, lower self-efficacy, childhood physical abuse and other high risk behaviors predispose a woman to cancer. This research suggests partner abuse may be an additional risk factor. Women in abusive relationships are less likely to receive preventive health care services. Increased awareness of the possible connection between IPV and cancer is needed. Evidence-based strategies that promote IPV screening in the oncology setting as well as offering cancer screening to victims of IPV should be considered.