Wong, Li-Ping and Kong, Yek-Ching and Bhoo-Pathy, Nanthini Thevi and Subramaniam, Shridevi and Bustamam, Ros Suzanna and 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 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). 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: | Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Medicine |
| Depositing User: | Ms Zaharah Ramly |
| Date Deposited: | 30 May 2022 06:40 |
| Last Modified: | 30 May 2022 06:40 |
| URI: | http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/34579 |
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