Anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and fear of cancer progression in patients with melanoma in cancer aftercare.

UNLABELLED: Several studies have described mental distress and anxiety in patients with melanoma. The findings of these studies varied from patients with a quality of life similar to the general population and those with increased mental distress. In the present study, we investigated anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and fear of cancer progression to gain a detailed picture of the burdens of these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 70 patients with malignant melanoma who attended cancer aftercare were surveyed using the psychometric instruments Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Posttraumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS-10), and Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP-Q). The questionnaires were evaluated and an analysis of the single items carried out.

RESULTS: The scores for the three anxiety parameters were low, but 7% of the patients presented an increased HADS score, and 17% an increased PTSS-10 value. An analysis of the items showed that patients feared physical disabilities more than mental distress or lack of social support.

CONCLUSION: Most of the patients perceived themselves as stable, and relied on the assistance of their families. However, a small group of patients suffered from clinically relevant anxiety; these patients should be given the support indicated for their specific distress.