The Role of Fatalism in Coping: Disparities in Psychological Distress Among Patients With Indolent Blood Cancers

Patients with indolent blood cancers managed with observation often experience psychological distress. Racial disparities in blood cancer survival are well documented, but not fully understood. One potential contributor is the mental health burden, as racial minorities experience higher psychosocial stress. This study examined racial disparities in cancer-related stress and coping strategies in patients undergoing observation for indolent blood cancers. Participants completed measures regarding sociodemographics, health behaviors, cancer-specific stress, and psychological adjustment to cancer. Patients were categorized as racially minoritized (Asian, Black, or Hispanic) or non-minoritized (White non-Hispanic). Multivariable analyses showed the racially minoritized group reported higher responses of fatalism as a coping strategy (adjusted mean difference of 1.8, 95% CI 0.47-3.17, p = 0.01). These findings reflect prior studies linking greater cancer fear and fatalism in racial minorities to reduced follow-up and delayed treatment, underscoring the importance of understanding these attitudes to address outcome disparities in patients with indolent blood cancers.