Imapct of Cancer Flashcards
What is needed to overcome the negativity associated with cancer?
Cultural redefinition of cancer is needed to overcome the negativity (understand it as a chronic disease or as potentially curable).
What has cancer been associated with historically?
Cancer has been associated with contagion, suffering, pain, and death.
What are some factors that influence adaptation to diagnosis of cancer?
- way in which diagnosis conveyed
- beliefs of cancer causation
- beliefs about cancer itself
- any delay in diagnosis
- personality/coping
- where diagnosis given
What are some factors that influence the emotional impact of cancer?
Experiences with cancer in the past Experiences leading up to diagnosis The individual’s perception of cancer Meaning of cancer Level of disruption caused to their life Perceptions surrounding treatment and its effect Experiences of past traumatic events Coping styles/personality Social supports
What are some issues that arise in diagnosing cancer?
Delay in diagnosis Unexpected diagnosis Lack of appropriate referrals Age at diagnosis Stigma/fear/judgement/guilt
What are some issues caused by cancer treatment?
Multiple treatments maybe used over an extended period of time.
May have been well before the treatment started and now experiencing side effects and feeling unwell.
Long term effects of treatment (even when ‘cured’) eg infertility.
What are some things that may happen after cancer treatment? (Things the patient may experience)
May not mean a return to normal level of functioning
Effects on all aspects of life – family, employment, financial, social, sexual.
Reducing contact with the health care team and the protected environment.
Less time/feeling less able to discuss experiences as time goes on.
What are five emotions that a person may experience during/after cancer treatment?
Uncertainty Vulnerability Isolation Discomfort Redefinition
What effect does the possibility of recurrence have on cancer survivors?
Ever present threat
Future again uncertain
Lack of control, anger, injustice, emotional upheaval, fear.
Supports may have changed since original diagnosis and treatment.
What are some challenges associated with survivorship?
Difficulty coming to terms with feelings of living when others have not survived
A life threatening illness can change how an individual lives their life.
Difficult to forget and move on.
Positive reappraisal of life
Mental, physical and sexual changes.
What is psycho-oncology?
The understanding and treatment of social, psychological, emotional, spiritual, quality of life and functional aspects of cancer from prevention to bereavement. An holistic approach that addresses the very human needs of those affected by cancer.
What are the five dimensions of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale?
- Fighting spirit
- Helplessness/hopelessness
- Anxious preoccupation
- Fatalism
- Avoidance
What are some important aspects of psychosocial support in cancer care?
Dynamic process
Impact on the patient, carer and health care professional.
Effective psychosocial support may reduce anxiety and depression (Lobchuk & Bokhari, 2008)
Integral aspect of care
What are some barriers for health care professionals?
Professional and personal issues Uniqueness of needs Changing needs Communication Timing Building relationships Emotions
