Cancer patients’ distresses and inquiries: proposal of four‐level classification based on consultation service and questionnaire survey

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to understand the realities of cancer patients' and their family members' distresses and inquiries, including medical/physical, emotional/spiritual and social/economic problems, from scientific viewpoints. The initial step of the study was to develop the classification category for these distresses and inquiries

An exploratory study of social problems experienced by ambulatory cancer patients in Japan: Frequency and association with perceived need for help

“…The prevalence of serious social problems is much lower in this study than that in a UK study reporting that two‐thirds of cancer patients rated ≥1 item as “quite a bit of difficulty” or “a lot of difficulty.” This might be because few young patients (20‐39 years), who reportedly have higher cancer‐related distress, participated in this study. Second, the medical information factor is unique to cancer patients in Japan since the SDI, developed in the UK, does not consist of any factor concerning health‐care issues, which is reportedly 1 of the most common and stressful issues perceived by cancer patients in Japan . Third, the type of social problem seemed to affect the patient's ability to express their need for help.…”

“…Second, the medical information factor is unique to cancer patients in Japan since the SDI, developed in the UK, does not consist of any factor concerning health-care issues, 19 which is reportedly 1 of the most common and stressful issues perceived by cancer patients in Japan. 3,33 Third, the type of social problem seemed to affect the patient's ability to express their need for help. For most items, the magnitude of the need for help was much lower than that of problem severity, especially concerning family and social life issues, whereas around 60% to 80% of patients who reported problems desired support with most medical and practical issues.…”

“…We also reviewed 619 categories of cancer patient-related distress, which were retrieved from the free descriptive answers of cancer survivors included in a 2003 Japanese national survey. 3 Items were extracted and modified to describe the social problems experienced by Japanese cancer patients by K.H. (an oncology social worker) and E.M. (a psychooncologist, ie, psychiatrist).…”

“…Cancer diagnosis and treatment impose a range of challenges on a patient's social life at their home, workplace, and community . Around 30% to 50% of cancer patients experience clinical levels of psychosocial distress, which could negatively affect not only quality of life (QOL) but also treatment adherence and medical outcomes .…”

“…Cancer diagnosis and treatment impose a range of challenges on a patient's social life at their home, workplace, and community. [1][2][3][4] Around 30% to 50% of cancer patients experience clinical levels of psychosocial distress, [5][6][7] which could negatively affect not only quality of life (QOL) 8,9 but also treatment adherence 10,11 and medical outcomes. 12,13 The need to evaluate the social aspects of cancer-as well as the biological and psychological aspects-is growing with the demands of routine screening and the management of distress in oncology.…”