Elsevier

European Journal of Cancer

Volume 31, Issue 11, October 1995, Pages 1736-1740
European Journal of Cancer

Special paper
The impact of cancer on key relatives: A comparison of relative and patient concerns

https://doi.org/10.1016/0959-8049(95)00389-ZGet rights and content

Abstract

This study examines the impact of diagnosis on key relatives of 108 newly diagnosed cancer patients. Cancers of the breast, colon, female reproductive tract and testicle were included. Relatives completed a self-report checklist of concerns and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) (28 items). Patients were administered a corresponding concerns checklist as part of a semi-structured interview. More relatives than patients expressed each of the nine common concerns; the discrepancy was greatest for concern about the patient's emotional reaction, reported by 95% of relatives and only 18% of patients. The total relatives' concern score (median 16.0) was significantly greater than the patients' score (median 4.0) (P < 0.0001). Cancer type, age of patient and nature of relationship to patient had little impact on the frequency of relatives' concerns. 52 (48%) relatives scored above the usual cutoff on the GHQ, suggesting significant psychological morbidity. Relatives of newly diagnosed cancer patients report high levels of concerns and psychological distress, and deserve greater attention than they currently receive.

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