Psychosocial Aspects

Abstract

Of all diseases, cancer is the one that has the most formidable psychological impact. It spells not only death—the destiny of us all—but a progressive and painful approach to it, and mutilation, either natural or post-therapeutic. The risk of sudden death from cardiovascular disease is less frightening. The risk of infectious or diathetic disease is even less so because, rightly or wrongly, it is thought that the body, whether aided by treatment or not, can fight and overcome them. It is the legend of the incurability of cancer as well as the fear of the often radical therapy and changed body image that strikes terror.