Sowmya Mathew1 , Smitha Bhat 2 , Anoop Joseph 3 , Manjula Anil 4
BACKGROUND Clinical experience and research evidence suggests that in India many cancer patients are not informed about their diagnosis and prognosis. Previous studies have demonstrated an increased risk for psychiatric morbidity among cancer patients. Communication with patients and relatives can be complex particularly in filial cultures where families play an important role in terminal illness management. The present study was done to assess the status of awareness of diagnosis among cancer patients with various parameters in our setup. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was done on 100 patients admitted to the oncology ward for a period of 6 months from March 2016 to August 2016. Patients were evaluated by questionnaire method and assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS A total of 100 patients were interviewed, out of which 58 patients (58%) were males and mean age was 51.6yrs. Out of the 100 patients, 60 patients (60%) were aware of diagnosis. The mean anxiety score was 10.05 among those aware of diagnosis and 8.05 among those not aware of diagnosis. The mean depression score was 10.45 among those aware of diagnosis and 8.275 among those not aware of diagnosis. The mean anxiety and depression score was found to be more in the age group of 20-40yrs. Out of the 100 patients, 95 patients said they had the right to know about their illness. CONCLUSION Disclosing the diagnosis is an important aspect in treating patients with cancer. Family and paternalistic relationships play a central role in disclosure of diagnosis. Although, mean anxiety and depression score was found to be more among those who knew the diagnosis of cancer, patients preferred to know the diagnosis. Hence, it is very important to educate physicians regarding issues related to diagnosis disclosure.
