Fig. 1
From: Gender differences in cancer-related distress in Japan: a retrospective observation study
The criteria of items of cancer distress factors. Based on the inquiry of cancer patients in 2010 [12], each item representing the four factors of “total pain” of cancer patients, i.e., physical distress (pain, changes in appearance), psychological distress (anxiety, depression), social distress (family problems, job-related problems), and spiritual pain; along with sexuality issues, were chosen to be used in this study. All items were assessed using a binary scale: ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The criteria for designating an item as ‘yes’ is indicated in Fig. 1