Gender differences in cancer-related distress in Japan: a retrospective observation study

Abstract

BackgroundCancer care is currently the most important medical issue in Japan. Total pain of cancer patients consists of a combination of four factors: physical, psychological, social distress, and spiritual pain. Previous studies showed female cancer patients ask for more psychological support and seem to suffer different types of distress compared with male patients, for example, appearance-related symptoms. However, other factors of cancer distress related to gender have not been defined comprehensively. The aim of this study is to clarify the gender differences in cancer distress types in order to elucidate the measures that should be taken in Japan to improve the quality of whole cancer care based on gender-based medicine.MethodsThe data of new patients who had visited the psycho-oncology outpatient service of Kinki University Hospital during the period of May 2013 to October 2015 were collected. Demographic factors and all assessed items were extracted from the patients’ medical charts retrospectively. Based on an inquiry of cancer patients in 2010, each item representing the four factors of “total pain” of cancer patients was chosen, i.e., physical distress (pain, changes in appearance), psychological distress (anxiety, depression), social distress (family problems, job-related problems), and spiritual pain; together with sexuality issues, and answers were analyzed. Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) was used for the assessment of psychological distress. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were performed for gender differences in the cancer distress types. Pearson’s analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed for the association of gender with each item.ResultsThe data of 101 cancer patients were analyzed and there were more female patients than male patients (female: male ratio = 71:30). Female cancer patients were more likely to suffer from psycho-social issues such as changes in appearance, family problems and sexuality issues than male patients, and male patients were more likely to have spiritual pain.ConclusionsThere were gender differences in the distress types of cancer patients. In order to improve the quality of whole cancer care, more intensive intervention by medical professionals and social support is needed from the viewpoint of gender-based medicine and psycho-oncology.

Factors influencing body image in posttreatment oral cavity cancer patients

“…On the basis of this framework, we assumed that changes in appearance caused by OCC, and its treatment would lead to differences in internalization and representation between males and females. Previous studies of cancer patients indicated that poor physical function, greater emotional distress, poor psychosocial function, and female gender were negatively associated with body image satisfaction. These patients may also experience altered body image after treatment, although insufficient attention has been devoted to this important topic.…”

“…An altered body image in cancer patients is associated with more physical symptoms, depression, lower global health status, more severe symptoms, and impaired psychosocial adjustment . Gender also affects the psychosocial adaptation and body image of cancer patients, in that females report greater psychological disturbances, more changes in appearance, and greater alterations in body image …”

A cross‐sectional study of distress: A cancer response

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Psychosocial effects of a skin camouflage program in female survivors with head and neck cancer: A randomized controlled trial

“…Gender has long been viewed as a particularly important variable in psychosocial adaptation to HNC. Several studies have found that female patients have a greater psychological disturbance resulting from cancer than men …”