Medi-Cinema: A Pilot Study on Cinematherapy and Cancer as A New Psychological Approach on 30 Gynecological Oncological Patients

Abstract

Background: Several subjects affected by cancer experience a significant level of multidimensional disease. This longitudinal study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of psycho-oncological support using Cinema as an emotional mediator and to promote perceived well-being by personalized psychological treatment. Methods: Thirty women diagnosed with gynecological cancer watched 12 movies and participated in a psychotherapy group co-conducted by two psychotherapists. Patients completed nine questionnaires at T0 (baseline), T1 (3 months) and T2 (6 months). Results: Patients observed significant improvements (CORE-OM: p < 0.001) in psychological well-being. The results showed statistically significant differences, even in several other dimensions, such as Anxiety (STAY-Y1-2: p < 0.001), Empathy (BEES, p < 0.001), Coping (COPE: p < 0.001), QoL (QLQ-C30, p: 0.026), couple relationship (DAS, Satisfaction: p: 0.013; Cohesion: p: 0.004) and alexithymia (TAS-20, Difficulty Identifying Feeling: p: 0.002; Externally-Oriented Thinking: p: 0.003). Conclusions: The data show that cinema, as an innovative psychological approach, could be a valid instrument to support patients in oncological pathways as well as facilitating the process of recognizing themselves in other patients and communicating about their own feelings.

Can popular films instil carcinophobia? Images of cancer in popular Polish cinema

“…Thus, this research suggests that since Polish feature films tend to reinforce harmful stereotypes about cancer, its treatment, oncological institutions and specialists, Polish cinema might be responsible for the perpetuation of carcinophobia to its audiences. Consequently, while there is an need to increase the public’s cancer health literacy ( 57 , 58 ), popular movies on cancer can be used to increase cancer awareness among the general public ( 42 , 59 – 61 ).…”

“…In particular, information on the need for early detection and treatment should be emphasized. The reason for this being that because cinematic cancer stories strongly influence audiences on an emotional level, watching cancer films can educate the public about the importance and need for cancer prevention and screening ( 42 , 61 ). Films can also motivate audiences to look for reliable sources of information about the disease and to introduce pro-health changes to one’s life.…”

“…Simultaneously, since analysed films accurately reflect daily problems faced by cancer patients and their families, the cinema has the ability to raise the public’s and health professionals’ awareness on the psycho-social and emotional aspects of cancer and medical problems related to cancer, i.e. lack of information about disease, delayed diagnosis, lack of appropriate quality healthcare, the high costs of drugs and care or lack of psychological support from physicians ( 59 – 61 ). Thus, while films may help to educate the public as to the ways of seeing and accepting death from cancer, they may also help overcome the biomedical model of cancer and promote a more holistic approach to the patient.…”