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.


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.
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I will explain why delaying medical help and diagnosis can be harmful for people who have cancer or are at risk of developing cancer.



  • 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.

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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