Coping with Cancer: Strategies for Patients and Families

Introduction

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Today, millions of people are living with cancer or have had cancer. The numbers are dismal; according to most statistical data, Americans possess almost a fifty percent chance of developing cancer. With these alarming statistics, it is both unfortunate and inevitable that almost everyone will have to, in some way or another, learn how to face and cope with the depressing hardships and obstacles of cancer. Whether an individual is personally diagnosed with cancer or a friend or family member is, it seems as though all of us at some point in time may have to learn coping mechanisms for this illness.

This paper addresses the various coping techniques that individuals can employ when dealing with cancer themselves or when dealing with a loved one who has the disease. Moreover, it also addresses how a diagnosis of cancer can dramatically change not only the life of the person with cancer but the lives of those who love and care about him or her as well.

Coping has been defined as "the use of all cognitive and behavioral activities used by patients to reduce stress and to bring about adaptation" (Krause, 1993). Coping strategies and other related mechanisms can range drastically depending on each individual situation. Many factors may contribute to different coping methods. Coping may not only be exclusive to the patient but can also help friends and family. Emotional coping is not sufficient on its own; people may need to cope in other ways as well, including physically, financially, and by gathering information about the illness.

Life Changes Following a Cancer Diagnosis

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, they will find themselves dealing with many emotions. They are not alone, as family members, friends, and others who are affected will also experience feelings that may alter their lives forever. Krouse and Krouse noted in their research that "the diagnosis of cancer is often associated with increased distress for the patient, manifested by feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, depression and helplessness." Studies by Lambert and Lambert suggest that "the patient with cancer might be required to deal with symptoms, manage health care regimens, adjust to alterations in body image, handle the uncertainty of the progression of the disease, and revise personal, social and occupational goals."

Frequent doctor visits and other medical care such as chemotherapy and radiation can be painful and physically draining. A cancer diagnosis shifts the reality of those affected; what may have been feasible prior to the illness may no longer be possible. Such a dramatic change can lead to frustration — not only because many things are occurring at a rapid pace, but also because a lack of financial, emotional, and informational support hinders the ability of those affected to effectively cope with the disease.

Self-Efficacy Theory and Cancer Coping

According to a study conducted in 1997, self-efficacy plays an important role in dealing with cancer. Many researchers cite that those with high efficacy expectations for coping feel that they are able to call on reserves to meet the challenges involved in coping with stressors such as cancer. Those low in efficacy may feel overwhelmed by the demands of their situation (Bandura, 1991). High self-efficacy can be achieved through a variety of means such as exercise, goal setting, emotional support, and coping skills groups.

In a study by Telch and Telch completed in 1986, those who participated in coping-skills groups possessed higher self-efficacy than those who participated in a support group and those who received no treatment. In essence, by seeking help and realizing that a diagnosis of cancer is by no means a death sentence, one has a greater chance of achieving high self-efficacy. Those who shut themselves off from others, give up, or adopt other pessimistic attitudes generally do not achieve very high degrees of self-efficacy, as the research suggests. The degree of self-efficacy is a combination of a variety of coping techniques, and how effectively these techniques are employed will determine the degree of self-efficacy achieved.

Conclusion

Coping strategies may vary greatly from person to person. What may work for one person may not work for another. For example, spiritual beliefs have been known to help people cope with cancer; however, for one person this may mean going to church and believing in God, while for another it may mean getting in touch with themselves through meditation and relaxation techniques. Coping is an ongoing process, and the strategies used must be continuously re-evaluated and altered in order to maintain a successful approach. Religion, rationalization, crying, and humor — along with whatever other techniques are employed — can be crucial components of coping.

A successful coping strategy should increase the patient's (and all those affected by the illness) perceived well-being or self-efficacy, as discussed above. With emotional support, a financial plan, and a wealth of information, research has shown that even though the disease is uncertain, it is possible to control chaos by effectively employing coping techniques to manage living with cancer.

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