Association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer survivors: a nationwide survey in Korea

作者：Cho Juhee; Choi Eun kyung; Kim So Young; Shin Dong Wook; Cho Be Long; Kim Chang hoon; Koh Dai Ha; Guallar Eliseo; Bardwell Wayne A; Park Jong Hyock^*

来源：Psycho-Oncology, 2013, 22(10): 2372-2378.

DOI：10.1002/pon.3302

• cancer
• oncology
• stigma
• depression
• psychological distress

ObjectiveCancer patients are more likely to experience depression than the general population. This study aims to evaluate the possible association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer patients. %26lt;br%26gt;MethodsAs a part of the Korean government%26apos;s program to develop comprehensive supportive care, we conducted a nationwide survey in 2010 at the National Cancer Center and in nine regional cancer centers across Korea. Cancer stigma was assessed by using a set of 12 questions grouped in three domainsimpossibility of recovery, stereotypes of cancer patients, and experience of social discrimination. Depression was measured by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. %26lt;br%26gt;ResultsA total of 466 cancer patients were included in the study. Over 30% of the cancer survivors had negative attitudes toward cancer and held stereotypical views of themselves: about 10% of the participants experienced social discrimination due to cancer, and 24.5% reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Patients who had or experienced cancer stigma were 2.5 times more likely to have depression than patients with positive attitudes. %26lt;br%26gt;ConclusionsRegardless of highly developed medical science and increased survivorship, cancer survivors had cancer stigmas, and it was significantly associated with depression. %26lt;br%26gt;ImpactOur findings emphasize the need for medical societies and health professionals to pay more attention to cancer stigma that patients are likely to experience during treatment.

• 出版日期2013-10