Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the association between mental adaptation to cancer and the level of self-efficacy in women with cervical cancer. Material and methods. The study involved 30 women with cervical cancer after the surgical treatment. We used a questionnaire of our own design, Generalized Self Efficacy Scale – the GSES, and The Scale of Mental Adjustment to Cancer Diseases – MINI-MAC. We analyzed the relationship between the choice of strategies to fight with the disease and the level of self-efficacy, depending on sociodemographic variables. In the calculation of statistical tests were used: ANOVA, ANOVA rank Kruskal-Wallis, MANOVA, Mann--Whitney U, Pearson’s correlation coefficient r. As the level of significance there was p ≤ 0,10. Results. 1. Women with cervical cancer after surgery chose constructive strategies to combat the disease: fighting spirit and a positive revaluation. Age, education, place of residence did not differentiate patients in choosing strategies. A worse financial situation was correlated with a greater propensity for using destructive strategies. 2. Only better material conditions had an influence on increasing the level of self-efficacy among the sociodemographic variables. 3. Women with higher levels of self-efficacy often chose a fighting spirit strategy and a positive revaluation. Conclusions. 1. Women with cancer of the reproductive organs are adapting well to the disease. 2. Higher levels of self-efficacy favor the selection of constructive strategies.

Key words: GSES, MINI-MAC, cervical cancer.