The influence of support and medical data on the level of illness acceptance, the way of coping with a stressful situation, and mental adjustment to the disease among cancer patients

D. Branecka-Woźniak, A. Cymbaluk-Płoska

Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Health, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland. dobrawo@gmail.com

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• Oncology
• Psychology

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This survey-based study involved 145 oncological patients and was conducted from July to November 2018. It was performed using an author’s questionnaire and three standardized tools: the mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, the Acceptance of Illness Scale, and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations.

RESULTS: The acceptance of illness was at a medium level. Patients who had been ill for longer time periods coped with stress better (p < 0.071) and showed better mental adjustment (p < 0.05 for Positive Redefinition, and p < 0.08 for Fighting Spirit). Patients with benign tumors focused on emotions (p < 0.001) and avoidance (p < 0.005) and were preoccupied with anxiety (p < 0.05). Longer treatment time was associated with a higher ability to cope with stress (p < 0.05). Patients receiving support were characterized by Anxious Preoccupation attitude (p < 0.1), and those who had not got it by Fighting Spirit (p < 01).

CONCLUSIONS: Cancer patients have problems coping with new circumstances. They need support and help to understand and accept their situation.

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