Patient delay in breast cancer and fear of death and dying

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Authors
Pisney, Francis L., 1945-
Advisor
Carroll, Charles R.
Issue Date
1974
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)--Ball State University, 1974.
Department
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This study has objectively assessed the role of fear of death and dying in a retrospective biased sample of 83 patients treated for initial breast cancer at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Indiana, 1972-1973.Increased delay is significantly associated with advanced clinical stage of breast cancer. No significant relationship exists between temporal delay and the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scales. Small positive correlations exist between delay and the Fear of Death Scales, The strongest fear is the fear of dying of self. Fear of death of self is significantly related to advanced clinical stage of breast cancer. Fear of death of others, fear of dying of self, and fear of dying of others are not significantly related to clinical stage of breast cancer. A significant linear relationship between age and temporal delay is present. Increased delay was not significantly related to other psychosocial variables tested. Tendencies to greater delay occurred with certain psychosocial variables.Advanced clinical stage of breast cancer was significantly related to unhappiness at the time of occurrence and the idea of hereditary tendency. Stage of disease was not significantly related to other psychosocial variables tested. Advanced age and social position tend to be associated with advanced breast cancer. Significant relationships existed. between fear of dying of others and reason for seeking medical treatment, and fear of death of others and worry about things other than health and the ides of a hereditary tendency. No significant relationships existed between the Collet Lester Fear of Death Scales and other psychosocial variables tested. Fear of dying of self remained the strongest fear, Some tendencies to greater delay and fear of death and dying were presentBall State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

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