Bull Cancer. 1988;75(10):949-55.

[Psychological implications of cancer. II. Consequences of treatment and modality of adaptation].

Bulletin du cancer

[Article in French]
R Zittoun, M Ruszniewski

PMID: 3219421

Abstract

The psychological adaptation of the patient to neoplastic disease is based on various mechanisms related to the patient's personality, psychological resources, as well as to the available familial and social support. The various members of the care team play a major role: the nurses who are closest to the patient, the physicians who are the persons of reference, the psychologists and psychiatrists whose analysis and support help the patients in coping with the situation. Various methods are currently proposed to assess the psychological disorders and adaptation, but frequently, they have not been validated for the specific situation. Cancer therapies can induce major psychological disorders directly related to their side-effects: alopecia, stomatitis, gastro-intestinal toxicity, etc. Maximal care of these side-effects is important in order to prevent or reduce their psychological consequences. The psychological adaptation will also depend on the various phases of the disease: information at time of diagnosis must be adapted to patient's demand. The psychological support should be continuously offered, even during complete remission and return to normal life, which is often characterized by anxiety and fear of relapse. Consecutive relapses increase the feeling of precariousness and can lead to discouragement when a patient approaches the terminal phase.

MeSH terms

• Adaptation, Psychological*
• Defense Mechanisms*
• Humans
• Neoplasms / psychology
• Neoplasms / therapy
• Nurse-Patient Relations
• Physician-Patient Relations
• Social Environment

Publication Types

• English Abstract
• Journal Article