In:
JCO Oncology Practice, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Vol. 17, No. 4 ( 2021-04), p. e548-e555
Kurzfassung:
The breaking of news of a cancer diagnosis is an important milestone in a patient’s cancer journey. We explored the emotional experiences of patients with cancer during the breaking of news of a cancer diagnosis and the arising needs in a multiethnic Asian setting with limited supportive cancer care services. METHODS: Twenty focus group discussions were conducted with 102 Asian patients with cancer from diverse sociodemographic backgrounds. Thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: While most participants, especially younger patients with young children, experienced intense emotional distress upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, those with a family history of cancer were relatively calm and resigned. Nonetheless, the prior negative experience with cancer in the family made affected participants with a family history less eager to seek cancer treatment and less hopeful for a cure. Although a majority viewed the presence of family members during the breaking of bad news as important, a minority opted to face it alone to lessen the emotional impact on their family members. Difficulties disclosing the news of a cancer diagnosis to loved ones also emerged as an important need. Sensitive and empathetic patient-physician communication during the breaking of news of a cancer diagnosis was stressed as paramount. CONCLUSION: A patient-centered communication approach needs to be developed to reduce the emotional distress to patients and their families after the breaking of bad news of a cancer diagnosis. This is expected to positively affect the patients’ subsequent coping skills and attitudes toward cancer, which may improve adherence to cancer therapy.
Materialart:
Online-Ressource
ISSN:
2688-1527
,
2688-1535
DOI:
10.1200/JOP.20.00002
Sprache:
Englisch
Verlag:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Publikationsdatum:
2021
ZDB Id:
3005549-0
