Self-Concept of Female Patients Using Unconventional Cancer Therapy – Possible Implications for Better Understanding

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Abstract
Background: Unconventional therapy has become increasingly popular in cancer patients. Apart from some factors such as age and education there is little known about patients’ conviction and motivation. Patients and Methods: 206 patients having attended the oncologic after-care out-patient department were asked to complete a questionnaire and return it anonymously by mail. Patients’ self-concept and body image were assessed with the help of the ‘Frankfurter Selbstkonzept-skalen’ (FSKN) and ‘Frankfurter Körperkonzeptskalen’ (FKKS), respectively, by Deusinger (1986). Motivation and conviction were assessed with further questions known from the literature. Results: No statistically significant differences with respect to body image and self-concept have been found, although a trend was observed indicating that users have a higher ability to solve problems and to cope with difficulties. Further investigations revealed that users have a different attitude to conventional therapy and generally wish to play a more active part. Conclusion: Open-minded counselling of patients about unconventional therapy considering patients’ needs is necessary to avoid that patients will reject possibly curative or good palliative conventional therapy in cases of recurrences.

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