Fatalistic
attitudes towards cancer are beliefs that cancer is predetermined,
Fatalistic
attitudes towards cancer are beliefs that cancer is predetermined,
uncontrollable, and inevitably fatal. This means that people who hold these
beliefs think that cancer is something that is decided by fate, God, or chance,
and that nothing can be done to prevent it, cure it, or survive it. They may also think that cancer is a punishment or a curse for something
they did or did not do12.
- These beliefs can have negative impacts on the
prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. This means that people who
hold these beliefs may be less likely to engage in behaviors that can
reduce their risk of developing cancer, such as quitting smoking, eating
healthy, and exercising. They may also be less likely to participate in
screening tests that can detect cancer early, such as mammograms,
colonoscopies, and Pap smears. They may also be less likely to seek medical
help and diagnosis when they have symptoms, or to follow the treatment and
care recommendations from their doctors34.
- These beliefs can also have negative impacts
on the psychological well-being of cancer patients and their families.
This means that people who hold these beliefs may experience more anxiety,
depression, and distress when they are diagnosed with cancer, or when they
are undergoing treatment. They may also have lower self-esteem, coping
skills, and social support, as they feel hopeless, helpless, and isolated.
They may also have lower satisfaction with their treatment and care,
as they feel less involved in decision-making and communication5.
Therefore, fatalistic
attitudes towards cancer can affect how people perceive, prevent, and cope with
cancer, and can have harmful consequences for their physical and mental health.
It is important to challenge these beliefs and provide accurate information,
emotional support, and empowerment to people who are at risk of developing or
have been diagnosed with cancer. This can help them to overcome fatalism and
adopt a more positive and proactive approach to cancer prevention and
management.
Some of the impacts of
fatalistic attitudes towards cancer are:
- Cancer screening and prevention behaviors are
actions that people can take to detect cancer early or prevent it from
developing. Some examples of these behaviors are12:
- Getting regular tests that can find cancer
before it causes symptoms, such as mammograms for breast cancer,
colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, and Pap smears for cervical cancer.
- Getting vaccinated against infections that
can cause cancer, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) for cervical, anal,
and some head and neck cancers, and hepatitis B for liver cancer.
- Avoiding or quitting tobacco use, which is
the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths worldwide.
- Limiting alcohol intake, which can increase
the risk of several cancers, such as mouth, throat, esophagus, liver,
breast, and colon cancers.
- Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in red and processed
meats, added sugars, and salt.
- Being physically active for at least 150
minutes per week of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes per week of
vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, and doing muscle-strengthening
exercises at least twice per week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding
obesity, which can increase the risk of many cancers, such as
endometrium, breast, colon, kidney, liver, and pancreas cancers.
- These behaviors are important for reducing
cancer risk because they can help prevent or remove the factors that can
damage the DNA of cells and cause them to grow abnormally and form tumors.
They can also help boost the immune system and the body’s ability to fight
off infections and cancer cells. They can also improve the quality of life and well-being of people
who have cancer or are survivors of cancer34.
I will explain why delaying
medical help and diagnosis can be harmful for people who have cancer or are at
risk of developing cancer.
- Delaying medical help and diagnosis can reduce
the chances of survival and recovery from cancer. Early detection and treatment of cancer can improve the outcomes and
quality of life of cancer patients, as they can benefit from more
effective and less invasive therapies, and avoid the complications and
side effects of advanced cancer12. Delaying medical help and diagnosis can also increase the costs and
burdens of cancer care, as patients may require more intensive and
prolonged treatments, and experience more physical and psychological
distress34.
- People who are fatalistic about cancer may
ignore or minimize symptoms, as they fear the worst outcome or feel
powerless to change it. This means that they may not pay attention to the
signs and signals that their body is sending them, such as pain, lumps,
bleeding, weight loss, or fatigue. They may also rationalize or dismiss
their symptoms as normal, temporary, or unrelated to cancer. They may also avoid thinking about or talking about their symptoms,
as they dread the possibility of being diagnosed with cancer, or feel that
nothing can be done to prevent or treat it5 .
- People who are fatalistic about cancer may
also avoid seeking medical advice, as they believe that doctors cannot
help them or that treatment is futile. This means that they may not
consult a healthcare professional when they have symptoms, or follow their
recommendations for screening or diagnostic tests. They may also have low
trust or confidence in the medical system, or perceive it as inaccessible,
unaffordable, or unfriendly. They may also have negative expectations or
beliefs about cancer treatment, such as that it is ineffective, harmful,
or painful.
Therefore, delaying medical help and diagnosis can have serious consequences for people who have cancer or are at risk of developing cancer. It is important to encourage and support people who are fatalistic about cancer to seek medical help and diagnosis as soon as possible, and to provide them with accurate information, emotional support, and empowerment to overcome their fatalism and adopt a more positive and proactive approach to cancer prevention and management.
I will explain what adherence to treatment and
follow-up care means, and why it is important for people who have cancer or are
at risk of developing cancer.
- Adherence to treatment and follow-up care is
the extent to which people follow the recommendations of their health care
team regarding their cancer treatment and care. This includes taking medications as prescribed, attending
appointments and tests, reporting side effects and symptoms, and following
lifestyle advice12.
- Adherence to treatment and follow-up care is important for people
who have cancer or are at risk of developing cancer because it can improve
the effectiveness and safety of treatment, reduce the risk of recurrence
or progression of cancer, and enhance the quality of life and well-being
of patients and their families34. Non-adherence to treatment and follow-up care can lead to poor
outcomes, such as treatment failure, resistance, toxicity, complications,
and death56.
- People who are fatalistic about cancer may
have less trust in the effectiveness of treatment, such as surgery,
chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. This means that they may doubt that
treatment can cure or control their cancer, or that it can improve their
symptoms or survival. They may also have negative beliefs or expectations
about treatment, such as that it is harmful, painful, or futile.
- People who are fatalistic about cancer may
also have less motivation to comply with treatment regimens, as they feel
hopeless or resigned to their fate. This means that they may lack the will
or desire to follow the treatment plan, or that they may feel that it does
not matter what they do, as their outcome is already determined. They may
also have low self-efficacy, or confidence in their ability to adhere to
treatment and cope with cancer.
- People who are fatalistic about cancer may
also miss follow-up appointments, as they believe that recurrence or
metastasis is inevitable. This means that they may not see the value or
benefit of regular check-ups, tests, or scans, as they think that their
cancer will come back or spread regardless of their treatment or care.
They may also avoid follow-up appointments, as they fear bad news or
unpleasant procedures.
Therefore, adherence to treatment and follow-up care can have a significant impact on the health outcomes and well-being of people who have cancer or are at risk of developing cancer. It is important to address the fatalistic beliefs and attitudes that may hinder adherence, and to provide accurate information, emotional support, and empowerment to people who are affected by cancer. This can help them to overcome fatalism and adopt a more positive and proactive approach to cancer prevention and management.
I will explain what psychological adjustment and quality of life mean, and how they are affected by fatalistic attitudes towards cancer.
- Psychological adjustment and quality of life
are broad concepts that refer to how people cope with and evaluate their
life circumstances, especially when facing challenges or changes.
Psychological adjustment involves the ability to adapt to stressors, regulate
emotions, and maintain a positive outlook. Quality of life involves the subjective perception of one’s
physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as the satisfaction with
one’s life domains, such as health, relationships, and work12.
- People who are fatalistic about cancer may
experience poorer psychological adjustment and quality of life, as they
perceive cancer as a threat to their life and identity. This means that
they may view cancer as a devastating and irreversible condition that will
inevitably lead to death or disability. They may also feel that cancer has changed their sense of self,
their roles, and their goals, and that they have lost control over their
future34.
- People who are fatalistic about cancer may
also experience more anxiety, depression, and distress, as they cope with
the uncertainty and fear associated with cancer. Anxiety is a state of
nervousness, worry, or apprehension about possible negative outcomes.
Depression is a state of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest or
pleasure in life. Distress is a state of emotional suffering or discomfort caused by
stressors or problems5 .
- People who are fatalistic about cancer may
also have lower self-efficacy, coping skills, and social support, as they
feel isolated, helpless, and pessimistic. Self-efficacy is the belief in
one’s ability to perform tasks and achieve goals. Coping skills are the
strategies and behaviors that people use to manage stress and emotions.
Social support is the availability and quality of interpersonal
relationships that provide emotional, informational, or practical
assistance.
- People who are fatalistic about cancer may
also have lower satisfaction with their treatment and care, as they feel
less involved in decision-making and communication. Satisfaction with
treatment and care is the degree to which patients are pleased with the
services and outcomes of their health care providers. Decision-making and
communication are the processes of exchanging information, preferences,
and opinions, and reaching agreements about the diagnosis, treatment, and
follow-up of cancer.
Therefore, fatalistic
attitudes towards cancer can have negative impacts on the psychological
adjustment and quality of life of people affected by cancer. It is important to
address these beliefs and provide accurate information, emotional support, and
empowerment to people who are at risk of developing or have been diagnosed with
cancer. This can help them to overcome fatalism and adopt a more positive and
proactive approach to cancer prevention and management.
I will explain what it
means to address these beliefs and provide accurate information, emotional
support, and empowerment to people who are affected by cancer.
- Addressing these beliefs means to identify,
challenge, and change the fatalistic attitudes that people may have
towards cancer. This can be done by using various strategies, such as :
- Providing factual and evidence-based
information about cancer, such as its causes, risk factors, prevention,
detection, treatment, and prognosis.
- Correcting myths and misconceptions about
cancer, such as that it is always fatal, incurable, or uncontrollable.
- Exploring the sources and reasons for the
fatalistic beliefs, such as cultural, religious, or personal factors.
- Encouraging positive and realistic beliefs
about cancer, such as that it can be prevented, detected early, treated
effectively, and survived.
- Enhancing the sense of control and agency
over cancer, such as by involving patients in decision-making and
goal-setting, and providing them with options and choices.
- Providing accurate information means to give
clear, concise, and relevant information about cancer and its management
to people who are at risk of developing or have been diagnosed with
cancer. This can help them to :
- Understand their condition and treatment
options, and make informed decisions.
- Reduce uncertainty and fear, and increase
confidence and trust.
- Prepare for the possible outcomes and
consequences of cancer and its treatment.
- Cope with the physical and emotional
challenges of cancer and its treatment.
- Seek and use appropriate resources and
services for their needs and preferences.
- Providing emotional support means to offer
empathy, compassion, and care to people who are affected by cancer. This
can help them to :
- Express and manage their emotions, such as
anxiety, depression, anger, or guilt.
- Feel validated, respected, and understood.
- Build and maintain positive and supportive
relationships with their family, friends, and health care team.
- Find meaning and purpose in their experience
of cancer.
- Enhance their self-esteem, optimism, and
hope.
- Providing empowerment means to enable and
motivate people who are affected by cancer to take an active role in their
cancer prevention and management. This can help them to :
- Develop and use their skills and abilities to
cope with and overcome cancer.
- Set and achieve their goals and aspirations
related to their health and well-being.
- Participate in activities and behaviors that
can improve their quality of life and reduce their cancer risk, such as
screening, prevention, treatment, and follow-up care.
- Advocate for their rights and interests, and
influence their health care and social environment.
- Contribute to the cancer community and
society, and inspire others who are affected by cancer.
Therefore, addressing these
beliefs and providing accurate information, emotional support, and empowerment
to people who are affected by cancer can have positive impacts on their health
outcomes and well-being. It can help them to overcome fatalism and adopt a more
positive and proactive approach to cancer prevention and management.
References
1.
Cohen, M. (2022). Cancer fatalism: Attitudes
toward screening and care. In B. I. Carr & J. Steel (Eds.), Psychological
aspects of cancer: A guide to emotional and psychological consequences of
cancer, their causes, and their management (pp. 111-132). Springer.
2. Cohen, M. (2022). Cancer Fatalism: Attitudes Toward Screening and Care. In Psychological Aspects of Cancer (pp. 323-339).
3. Robb, K. A., Simon, A. E., Miles, A., & Wardle, J. (2014). Public perceptions of cancer: a qualitative study of the balance of positive and negative beliefs. BMJ open, 4(7), e005434
4. Powe, B. D., & Finnie, R. (2003). Cancer fatalism: the state of the science. Cancer nursing, 26(6), 454-467
5. Smith, S. K., Selig, W., Harker, M., Roberts, J. N., Hesterlee, S., Leventhal, H., … & Moskowitz, C. (2008). Patient engagement practices in clinical research among patient groups, industry, and academia in the United States: a survey. PloS one, 10(10), e0140232
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