Abstract
M.A. (Social Work)
Cancer is a common condition and is becoming an important
issue in South Africa. During their lifetime people may
develop different forms of cancer such as lung -, throat -,
skin -, colon -, and breast cancer. Cancer affects people of
different age groups from small children up to older people.
It cuts across different racial groups and different socio economic
levels.
The patient with cancer faces one of the greatest stress
situations known to man. Cancer is frequently a chronic
disease. Acute periods of illness or intensive therapy may
interrupt periods of normality for months or years.
Treatment may necessitate major alterations in lifestyle or
normal body functions. The diagnosis of cancer is seen by
many as synonymous with death. (Kellogg & Sullivan : 1978)
Kellogg (1978) believes that the fear of loss of self
determination, of being dependent and non - productive, can
be more stressful than the prospect of death itself. The
patient may also fear that the disease, the results of
treatment, or the changes he presumes will result, will cause
others to isolate or abandon him...