Stress of routine follow-up in colorectal cancer operated patients

Chir Ital. 2000 Nov-Dec;52(6):695-8.

Abstract

Postoperative follow-up is the logical consequence of cancer treatment, but colorectal cancer follow-up does not achieve all its goals. These unfavourable findings induced us to assess whether follow-up also causes negative psychological stress in our colorectal cancer patients. In this trial 100 colorectal cancer follow-up patients were asked to compile three questionnaires: 1) the McGil Pain Questionnaires; 2) Profile of Mood Status; and 3) Locus of Control. The questionnaires were handed to the patients at follow-up and were compiled immediately. In addition, the patients were asked to answer the firsts two tests spontaneously 30 days after follow-up and mail the questionnaires. Our results showed that only 41% of the patients complied the tests 30 days after follow-up. The scores for pain and mood disorders were greater in women, especially during the "before follow-up" period. The third test revealed a prevalence of subjects with internal-type reinforcement. Our data revealed that: 1) patients tend to repress the problem; 2) women are affected by greater stress and anxiety; 3) subjects with internal-type reinforcement have a positive attitude during follow-up and this enables the ego to bear the anguish, process it and dilute it to anxiety, thus favouring future life experiences.

MeSH terms

  • Affect
  • Aged
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain, Postoperative / psychology
  • Sex Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires