A diagnosis of cancer often entails a feeling of disbelief and dread leading to feelings of anxiety, panic and distress. In India, most of the general population lacks proper awareness regarding Cancer. This study measures emotional distress level in newly diagnosed cancer patients who are totally unaware about cancer and intends to take corrective measures to minimize it.
Methods: Emotional distress thermometer was used to measure distress level in 98 newly diagnosed patients of all types of cancer over a period of 1 year. Their awareness regarding cancer was obtained by asking simple questions in their local language. Those who had absolute no knowledge regarding cancer were referred for more intensive counseling improving their knowledge.
Results: This study showed distress level of ≥8 in almost all 98 patients.
Conclusion: Main aim of this studywas to identify most vulnerable group of patients who were totally unaware of the disease and referring them for more aggressive counseling. Emotional distress was directly proportional to their ignorance regarding the disease. Modifications in counseling techniques were needed for these patients where more importance was given to impart knowledge regarding cancer and explaining its myths and facts.