The
Importance of Psychological Care
for Cancer Patients
Recent studies suggest that 25%
to 50% of cancer patients are
suffering from psychological conditions
related to their diagnosis. However
new information casts serious
doubt on the ability of oncologists
to properly diagnose patients
who may be suffering from common
cancer-related ailments like anxiety
or depression.
In a 2001 study conducted in
England, oncologists failed to
recognize symptoms of depression
and anxiety in some patients while
misdiagnosing it in others.
The study involved 3,000 patients
at cancer centers around the United
Kingdom. Each was asked to fill
out a 12 question health survey
to gauge their probability for
psychological illness before seeing
their oncologist. Their physicians
knew the patients were taking
the test but their results were
not revealed.
After seeing each patient, doctors
were asked to rate the patient’s
mental condition. The result was
that doctors were incorrect more
than 800 times.
It concluded that the misdiagnosis
of psychological symptoms was
systemic within the global cancer
community and that doctors across
the globe are under prepared to
assess patients’ psychological
states.
They found doctors often dismiss
symptoms as being cancer related
or surface level problems. Most
researchers conclude that medical
curriculum must begin to teach
doctors how to recognize patient
mentalities and what questions
to ask.
|