Psychology of Cancer

MR. SHIVAPRASAD B H
ASSO. PROFESSOR
MES COLLEGE OF NURSING
LOTE
 Introduction

 Cancer:
 A disease known from antiquity
 Hippocrates and Galen => attributed cancer to the
influence of the mind over the body- cancer caused
by a melancholic disposition.
 London Cancer Hospital
 Of 250 patients admitted, 62% had experienced a
major negative life event before their diagnosis as
cancer.
 Depression predicts cancer diagnoses 10 years post-
assessment.
 Associated with a cancer diagnosis earlier in life.
 Patients with both cancer and comorbid depression
may progress faster.
 Some antidepressant drugs may promote tumor
growth, confounding factor
 Immune Mediation of Psychosocial Stress
 Levy (1985) - women diagnosed with breast cancer
who were rated as being better adjusted to the
disease (not distraught).
 The pt’s who reported higher fatigue had lower
natural killer (NK) cell numbers.
 The pt with higher social support tended to have
higher NK cell activity.
 The individuals role

 Awareness
 Receiving the Cancer Diagnosis
 The Patient’s Response to the Diagnosis
 Family Reactions
 Life Span Considerations
 The 6 Feared “D’s”

 Discomfort
 Dependency
 Disfigurement
 Disability
 Disruption
 Disengagement
 Death
 Stages of grief

 According to Kubler Ross.

 Denial
 Anger
 Bargaining
 Depression
 Acceptance
Pt Centered communication

C Cope with Illness

A Active participation in self care

R Responsibility, self esteem,

confidence

E Empower patients own

decision making
 BATHE

B
• BACKGROUND

A • AFFECT

• TROUBLE
T

H • HANDLING

T • Trouble
Inter disciplinary team

Physician

Nurse Psychologist

Patient /
Family

Social Spiritual
Worker /Counselor
 Provide privacy and adequate time to share the information and
provide support.
 Ask the patient how much he or she wants to know.
 Encourage the patient to bring a family member to the meeting.
 Consider taping the meeting or providing a written summary of
the information.
 Monitor for signs of emotional distress and respond as needed.
 Give the information gradually rather than starting with the
diagnosis.
 Listen to the patient’s and family’s concerns.
 Assess their understanding of what has been shared
throughout the process.
 Develop an alliance with the patient about the treatment
plan.
 If needed, ensure that professional interpreters are
available.
 If the prognosis is very poor, avoid giving a definite time
frame.
 Reinforce information given on subsequent visits and when
the patient and family see other healthcare professionals.
 Provide resources for follow-up support.