Abstract
Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common urinary tract cancers and its treatment, despite its efficacy, is often associated with a high psychological and social burden. With increasing incidence rates and improving survival, psychosocial aspects related to patients’ functioning after surgical treatment are becoming increasingly important. The level of acceptance of the illness, coping strategies and the availability of social support appear to be particularly important.
The aim of this study was to assess the level of acceptance of the disease, coping strategies and the extent of social support received in patients after surgical treatment of RCC.
Materials and methods: Eighty-five patients undergoing surgical treatment at the Department of Urology and Urological Oncology of the Teaching Hospital No. 2 in Szczecin were included in the study. A diagnostic survey method and 3 tools were used: Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC) and Social Support Questionnaire (ISSB).
Results: The mean level of disease acceptance among patients was moderate (M = 24.89, SD = 6.37). The most frequently used coping strategy was fighting spirit (M = 22.38), while helplessness was the least used (M = 15.42). Constructive coping styles were prevalent (high level in 50.59% of respondents), whereas destructive styles were typically low (43.53%). Social support was reported at a moderate frequency across all domains (emotional, informational, instrumental, valuing), typically occurring once per week. Significant correlations were observed between age and positive reappraisal (r = 0.22, p = 0.043), and between helplessness and informational support (r = 0.263, p = 0.015). Respondents with secondary education demonstrated higher levels of fighting spirit compared to those with vocational education (p = 0.019).
Conclusions: Patients after surgical treatment of RCC presented moderate levels of disease acceptance and preferred constructive coping strategies. Social support was present to a moderate extent. Age and education influenced selected aspects of psychological adaptation, whereas no correlation was found between the level of disease acceptance and coping styles.