Psychosocial problems and support of the advanced cancer patient
Cassileth, B.R.
Rays 10(1): 131-134
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-7740 PMID: 2441435 Document Number: 263501
Three principles are here presented to support advanced cancer patients: (1) To help them to live rather than preparing them to die, (2) Patients differ from each other both in personalities and inner resources, (3) They have different and individualized adaptation reactions. The major problems experienced by the patient are: pain (the physician ought to reassure him he will control his pain), abandonment (he ought to be reassured that physicians and families continue to take care of him), the interpretation of symptoms (he ought to know what symptoms correspond to his diagnosis), emotional distress (he ought to be reassured by conversations with the physician). Lastly, to help the patient in segmenting his problems and readjusting his goals should be a great coping mechanism as well as minimizing the seriousness of his situation. The doctor should not be defensive in response to his anger and must not take it personally; he should convince the patient that he's not to blame for his disease. The program of hospice care is suggested.