Cancer as seen by subjects with cancer patient -Focusing on difference in consciousness compared to subjects with no cancer patient-

Cancer as seen by subjects with cancer patient -Focusing on difference in consciousness compared to subjects with no cancer patient-

1n the present study, we compared Cancer and life-sty1e diseases , and shed light on how Cancer is perceived. Moreover, we a1so strived to shed light on recollection of death by cancer patients after receiving cancer notification, as well as the image of Cancer. Out of 294 survey participants , 81 participants were subjects with cancer patient, whi1e 168 participants were subjects with no cancer patient. With regard to survey method, we prepared separate mu1tip1e choice questionnaires for s ubjects with cancer patient and subjects with no cancer patient, and conducted the survey. Questionnaires were distributed via post or hand delivery, and filled questionnaires were collected through return post or direct collection. Questionnaire for subjects with cancer patient was composed of tota1 15 questions including one question re1ated to “Age" , 12 questions re1ated to "comparison of the images of cancer and life-sty1e diseases" , and 2 questions “about death". Moreover, questionnaire for subjects with no cancer patient was composed of tota1 14 questions including two questions re1ated to "Age, past experience of cancer in family or close friends" ‘ and 12 questions related to "comparison of the images of cancer and life style diseases ". Survey was conducted between September 2006 and February 2007. Survey results showed that Cancer is still a disease that would evoke thoughts of death. Moreover, subjects with no cancer patient had more consciousness about death than subjects with cancer patient. In addition, although there were some individual variations, over 90% of subjects with cancer patient thought about their‘ own death. Generally, especially at medical institutions, talking about death is considered taboo. However, talking about death is actually talking about life . Medical professiona1s can not easily talk about death due to their nature of work . However, it is desired to ta1k about death at t