Adaptation to cancer among patients with colon cancer hospitalized in the Department of Oncological Surgery

Abstract

Introduction

Each year, approximately 18,000 new cases of colorectal cancer—primarily colon cancer—are diagnosed in Poland, and nearly 2 million worldwide. The risk of developing the disease increases with age, and it often progresses asymptomatically.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess coping with cancer among patients with colon cancer.

Materials and Methods

The study included 100 patients hospitalized in the Department of Surgical Oncology in Bielsko-Biała. The Mini-MAC Psychological Coping Scale and a proprietary questionnaire were used.

Results

Women exhibited a higher level of positive reappraisal than men. With increasing age,
a lower level of fighting spirit was observed, while levels of helplessness, hopelessness, and positive reappraisal increased. Patients with higher education and those who were employed exhibited a constructive coping style. Patients living alone or with a spouse exhibited lower levels of helplessness and hopelessness, and living with a spouse was associated with a lower level of positive reappraisal than living with children. A longer duration since the onset of symptoms increased anxiety-related preoccupation and reduced fighting spirit. Atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and renal failure were associated with an increase in the destructive coping style.

Conclusions

Coping with cancer is influenced by sociodemographic, social, and clinical factors, which necessitates an individualized approach and psychological support for patients.