Psychological response of patients cured of advanced cancer

TLDR

Psychological testing was conducted on 22 long‑term remission patients with advanced cancer to assess their reactions to the likelihood of cure. Patients reported a very positive outlook, heightened appreciation for life and relationships, reduced preoccupation with trivial matters, and viewed cancer recovery as a catalyst for personal growth.

Abstract

Psychologic testing was performed in 22 patients with advanced cancer (breast, endometrium, testis, lymphoma) who had undergone a complete remission that had been maintained for 5 to 20 years since the last therapy. The reaction to the probability of being cured was measured. The patients' overall attitude was very positive towards life and the future. They had a greater appreciation of time, life, people, and interpersonal reactions. They were less concerned about the nonessentials of life. It appeared that recovery from advanced cancer was a good experience for character development.