Wong, Li Ping and Kong, Yek Ching and Bhoo-Pathy, Nanthini Thevi and Subramaniam, Shridevi and Bustamam, Ros Suzanna and Mohd Taib, Nur Aishah and Ho, Gwo Fuang and Zaharah, Hafizah and Mellor, Matin and Woo, Yin Ling and Yip, Cheng Har and Bhoo-Pathy, Nirmala (2020) Breaking News of Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences and Emotional Needs of Patients With Cancer in a Multiethnic Asian Setting. JCO Oncology Practice, 17 (4). e548-e555. ISSN 2688-1527, DOI https://doi.org/10.1200/JOP.20.00002.
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
PURPOSE: 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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Funders: | UNSPECIFIED |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Asian; attitude; cancer diagnosis; cancer patient; cancer therapy; child; controlled study; coping behavior; demography; emotional stress; family history; female; human; major clinical study; male; qualitative research; thematic analysis |
| Subjects: | R Medicine |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Medicine |
| Depositing User: | Ms. Juhaida Abd Rahim |
| Date Deposited: | 03 May 2021 07:42 |
| Last Modified: | 03 May 2021 07:42 |
| URI: | http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/25931 |
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