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Association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer survivors: a nationwide survey in Korea.
- Source :
-
Psycho-oncology [Psychooncology] 2013 Oct; Vol. 22 (10), pp. 2372-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Jun 20. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Objective: Cancer patients are more likely to experience depression than the general population. This study aims to evaluate the possible association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer patients.<br />Methods: As a part of the Korean government's program to develop comprehensive supportive care, we conducted a nationwide survey in 2010 at the National Cancer Center and in nine regional cancer centers across Korea. Cancer stigma was assessed by using a set of 12 questions grouped in three domains-impossibility of recovery, stereotypes of cancer patients, and experience of social discrimination. Depression was measured by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.<br />Results: A total of 466 cancer patients were included in the study. Over 30% of the cancer survivors had negative attitudes toward cancer and held stereotypical views of themselves: about 10% of the participants experienced social discrimination due to cancer, and 24.5% reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Patients who had or experienced cancer stigma were 2.5 times more likely to have depression than patients with positive attitudes.<br />Conclusions: Regardless of highly developed medical science and increased survivorship, cancer survivors had cancer stigmas, and it was significantly associated with depression.<br />Impact: Our findings emphasize the need for medical societies and health professionals to pay more attention to cancer stigma that patients are likely to experience during treatment.<br /> (Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1099-1611
- Volume :
- 22
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Psycho-oncology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23784964
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.3302