Health Psychology Flashcards
Strategies and research done on the psychology of people living with cancer have extrapolated to - what?
Other illnesses.
2019 research has found that by the age of 85, how many people will be diagnosed with cancer?
1 in 2 Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
Health psychology is a sub-discipline of what?
Clinical psychology.
Is cancer the leading cause of death in Australia? And are the death rates declining?
No, but it is ‘a’ leading cause of death.
Death rates continue to fall, with a sharper decline for men.
If cancer rates continue to fall, what does this mean about the ‘status’ of cancer as an illness?
It is no longer a terminal illness but is considered a chronic illness.
Why are cancer death rates declining?
Because we have much better tests AND cancer is found much earlier.
In Australia, what were the 5-year survival rates between 1982-1987, compared with 2009-2013? And what was the difference in percentage?
- 1982-1987: 46%
- 2009-2013: 68%
A 22% increase!
How many Australians are either living with, or have lived with cancer?
1.1 million.
In 2007, they predicted the trajectory of cancer diagnosis and death into the future. By 2030, what is the global cancer burden expected to be?
The diagnosis and death rates of cancer are expected to DOUBLE.
Illness and cancer is often seen (wrongly) as a single event, how should it be conceptualised instead?
As a series of sequential traumas.
What is the difference between genetics and genomics?
Genetics: looks at a particular gene (e.g. BRCA1/BRCA2 genes for breast cancer).
Genomics: looks at all the genetic or DNA information in the body.
In terms of psychological health, what problems may arise when presenting someone with information from their genomics test?
The test can produce information that the patient does not want to know, or is not ready to process. E.g., finding out they are at high risk for an incurable disease.
What is the stress that is sometimes involved with someone who is at high risk of developing a disease (due to family history, genetic components, behaviour problems)?
Some feel as though they are a ticking time bomb. It is the uncertainty of when/if they will fall ill that they struggle to cope with.
Some people can cope with the uncertainty of disease, while others can’t. These individuals should be identified, why?
Those who struggle to cope are the one’s who need the most support.
What was the ‘Angelina effect’?
Angelina Jolie tested positive for BRCA genes, so had a mastectomy in 2013, causing a huge spike in genetic testing for breast cancer around the world.
In Australia, the risk-reducing mastectomy procedures nearly DOUBLED in 10 years. The right populations were coming for this test and there was no real increase in health-related anxiety.
How common are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? If a woman has the gene, how likely is it that they will develop breast cancer in the future? Ovarian cancer?
The BRCA 1/2 genes are found in around 4% of the population.
Among those who have the gene, 80% will develop breast cancer and 40% will develop ovarian cancer.
When receiving the genetic tests for breast cancer, how many women report feeling high levels of anxiety, intrusive thoughts (about the potential consequences of testing) and constant/frequent worrying about cancer risks?
What is the effect on their partners?
About 1/4 of women.
Many partners report feeling the same, or even higher anxiety levels.
How many women who are genetically tested for BRCA will receive a mastectomy if:
- they ARE a gene carrier?
- they are NOT a gene carrier?
BRCA carrier - 86%
BRCA non-carrier - 51%
While receiving a diagnosis can be an incredibly stressful time, what do some patients consider more stressful?
Many report waiting for results to be a most stressful time, as they feel out of control and in the unknown. Some people even experience relief when they receive the diagnosis.
Although there is no wrong way or right way to respond to a diagnosis, what are some typical reactions?
Shock, numbness, disbelief, acute stress, anxiety, anger, bargaining, protest, depression, grief, acceptance.
Many people are in denial when they receive a diagnosis, what is important to understand as a clinician giving the diagnosis?
It is okay for them to be in denial. They might not be ready to cope with the information, must just help them to focus on what to do next.
When someone is receiving a diagnosis, who should be there to support and even recall information?
Their family.
Diagnosis is a critical time point for a patient’s psychological-support during their illness journey. What is the most important element that can influence the impact of the diagnosis and long-term adjustment?
Communication! Health professionals should follow guidelines for ‘breaking bad news’, to help them discuss prognosis.
Empathy is incredibly important, show them that you validate and normalise their fears.
