Guest editorial
The loneliness of cancer

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2008.11.003Get rights and content

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  • Cited by (24)

    • The trajectory of hope and loneliness in rectal cancer survivors with major low anterior resection syndrome: A qualitative study

      2022, European Journal of Oncology Nursing
      Citation Excerpt :

      In our study, however, this is only partly the case, most patients feel they can communicate openly with their partner but do not always feel the need for it. Wells and Kelly (2008) state that loneliness can feel as a relief because they do not have to deal with questions from others. Our study however found that loneliness is reinforced when patients are unable to discuss their concerns and needs with their relatives.

    • Loneliness and quality of life after head and neck cancer

      2020, British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
      Citation Excerpt :

      It also has serious economic implications.4 Cancer and its treatment can have a large impact on social relationships, and people living with and beyond the disease are particularly vulnerable to loneliness.7 Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can result in difficulties with appearance, social eating, speaking, swallowing, pain, role functioning, and depression, as reported in the Patient Concerns Inventory.8

    • To support and to be supported. A qualitative study of peer support centres in cancer care in Norway

      2018, Patient Education and Counseling
      Citation Excerpt :

      Many patients report psychological distress related to the uncertainty of the disease, adverse effects of treatment and impaired quality of life [1–3]. Some experience loneliness, uncertainty, depression, unmet informational needs, and a fear of relapses, and may need support to handle these challenges [4–9]. Follow up procedures are most often limited to medical examinations to check for recurrences, and patients often report unmet support needs for years after they have completed treatment [10].

    • Risk factors for loneliness in patients with cancer: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

      2014, European Journal of Oncology Nursing
      Citation Excerpt :

      The other way around is also true; health disorders are also risk factors for the onset of and continuation of loneliness (Penninx et al., 1999; Savikko et al., 2005). From this point of view, it has been shown that loneliness is an important concern for patients with cancer (Wells and Kelly, 2008). Qualitative studies have shown that especially the period after the initial treatment is characterized by feelings of loneliness (Ekwall et al., 2007; Rosedale, 2009).

    • The significance of fellow patients for head and neck cancer patients in the radiation treatment period

      2013, European Journal of Oncology Nursing
      Citation Excerpt :

      Physical symptoms are dry mouth and throat, swallowing problems, and pain (Myers et al., 1999). Anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and hopelessness are the most frequently reported psychological problems (Larsson and Hedelin, 2003; Ledeboer et al., 2005; Myers et al., 1999; Wells and Kelly, 2008). Head and neck cancer patients have some of the highest documented rates of depressive symptoms for patients with any tumor type (Archer et al., 2008; Hamran, 2008).

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