[The disease coping of radiation cancer patients compared]

Emotional well-being and physical complaints of 87 outpatients undergoing radiotherapy were compared with those of a variety of other patients. The emotional and physical status were assessed by a list of emotional symptoms (German: "Befindlichkeitsskala") [18] and a list of physical complaints (German: "Beschwerdeliste") [19]. Although they have to cope with a fair amount of physical strain, values of the "oncologic group" rank second lowest, outranked only by healthy controls. The results strengthen the hypothesis of an adaptive denial to cope with the strain of the treatment. In conclusion, concrete suggestions are made for the doctor-patient relationship.