Assessment of pain, acceptance of illness, adaptation to life, and strategies of coping with the disease, in patients with bladder cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers and causes of mortality in Poland, significantly reducing the quality of life. The objective of the study was to evaluate the strategy of coping with the disease in patients suffering from bladder cancer. Patients and Methods: Four psychometric tests were used: the beliefs about pain control questionnaire (BPCQ), the pain coping strategies questionnaire (CSQ), acceptance of illness scale (AIS), and mental adjustment to cancer (Mini-Mac) test. Results: Patients suffering from bladder cancer assign the greatest role in controlling pain to the influence of physicians. The most frequently chosen strategy for coping with the disease was declaring coping. The average level of acceptance of the disease among patients was mean=27.25. The most often indicated manner of coping was fighting spirit. Conclusion: Patients with bladder cancer are characterized by a constructive attitude towards the disease.