Psychological well-being in liver cancer patients

Background. Cancer, its consequences, and its treatment lead to a high psychological stress for patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of cancer which has a very poor prognosis. In addition, the risk factors for developing HCC are rising. However, not much is known about the psychological stress of those affected. Objectives. The aim of this study is to illustrate the psychological stress perceived by patients with HCC and their wishes for support. Materials and methods. In a prospective study, patients with HCC were interviewed at the following timepoints: beginning of the inpatient stay, while staying in hospital, shortly before discharge, and additionally half a year and one year later. Psychological stress was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patients were also asked if they would like to have more support and from which profession. Analyses were calculated with the chi(2) test and correlations using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results. In total, 97 patients were included in the study. At the beginning of their inpatient stay, more than half (56%) of the patients showed a HADS score >= 13, which indicated above-average psychologic stress for the patient. More than 90% of the patients had support wishes. Mostly, they wished for support from physicians, nurses or psychologists. Before discharge, all patients wished for support from physicians or nurses. After half a year most of the patients wished for support from physicians and support groups. Conclusion. Patients with HCC have relevant psychological stress and an increased need for support.