Psychosocial Considerations Of Cancer

Question 1

What are psychological barriers to cancer screening?

Answer 1

Disgust: patient discomfort with screening regimen (i.e. collection of faeces, medical apparatus).
Shame: avoidance of talking about personal issues or symptoms

Question 2

What are psychosocial considerations of cancer survivors?

Answer 2

Fear or recurrence

Post-traumatic stress

Question 3

What are psychosocial considerations of cancer investigation?

Answer 3

Anxiety while waiting for results
- repeatedly calling clinicians about test results
- avoiding information about prognosis
Fear: needles, MRI, vomiting

Question 4

What are psychosocial considerations of end of life?

Answer 4

Fear of death

Question 5

How does distress affect treatment outcomes?

Answer 5

Worse quality of life
Lesser treatment adherence
Lower satisfaction with care
Lower survival

Question 6

How does stress affect general health?

Answer 6

Increase in:

• GI problems
• viral infections
• headahces
• sleep difficulty

Decrease in:
- wound healing

Question 7

What are the links between stress and cancer?

Answer 7

Some behavioral characteristics are associated with cancer:

• smoking
• overeating
• exercise