[Patients coping with cancer. A review].

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Oncology
• Medical Research

Context:

• The term 'coping' is defined, exploring its theoretical underpinnings as unconscious ego defenses or conscious processes.
• Existing literature on coping strategies in cancer patients is reviewed, identifying significant research limitations.

Purpose:

• To define and theoretically frame the concept of coping in the context of cancer.
• To review existing literature on coping in cancer patients and identify methodological challenges.
• To explore the potential for interventions to improve cancer patients' coping mechanisms.

Summary:

• Methodological issues, including diagnostic criteria, disease nature, and treatment timing, hinder high-quality cancer coping research.
• The assessment of coping processes using scientific methods lacks sufficient discussion and standardization.
• Limited intervention studies suggest that improving cancer patients' coping abilities is feasible, addressing challenges arising from diagnosis and treatment.

Impact:

• Highlights the need for standardized methodologies in coping research for cancer patients.
• Suggests that targeted interventions can enhance the psychological well-being of individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
• Emphasizes the necessity for further research into coping mechanisms and intervention effectiveness for clinical application.