GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS OF PEOPLE FACING ONCOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Objective. The article reflects the results of a theoretical review of the issue of gender differences in the perception of a person's own cancer diagnosis in domestic and foreign scientific publications. Conducting a detailed scientific and theoretical substantiation of gender differences in the psychological distress of people who have faced an oncological diagnosis will be useful for the development of appropriate psychological intervention programs to reduce the distress of cancer patients. Methods. The research include a comprehensive analysis of information on gender differences in psychological distress of the persons who faced an oncological diagnosis. A systematic review and generalization of data presented by a number of Ukrainian and foreign studies on the psychological state of cancer patients were used. Results. The results proved that the patients faced with an oncological diagnosis show a significant level of psychological distress both during diagnosis and treatment, as well as at the stage of cancer remission. We found a certain relationship between clinical and demographic characteristics. Thus, there is a correlation between the younger age of patients and a higher level of psychological distress when diagnosed with cancer. The level of distress varies in different groups of patients. Particulary, it is usually higher in those with the last stage. Some researchers have looked at specific aspects of cancer distress using the Impact of Events Scale (IES), and their findings indicate gender differences in the psychological response to cancer. The researchers also found that body appearance is determined as a great factor in the development of psychological distress. The highier distress is associated with surgical scars, weight loss, baldness, and the presence of other noticeable consequences of treatment, for example, ostomy bags in operated patients with colorectal cancer. This makes patients more prone to internal instability and provokes the development of isolation from the social environment. Gender differences in the response to cancer indicate that the response of men and women may vary, particularly in terms of the level of psychological distress and emotional responses to cancer. Women with cancer may experience greater isolation and difficulty coping with family and financial problems than men. Conclusions. Based on the results obtained, it was found that psychological distress in patients with oncological diagnoses is a well-known psychological problem. Gender, as well as demographic and clinical characteristics, appeared to be important in determining the level of distress: younger women, as well as those facing more serious stages of cancer or having multiple diagnoses, are usually prone to a greater emotional reaction. The results obtained indicate the need to take into account the gender and individual characteristics of patients when developing support in psycho-oncology practice.

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