Open AccessPatient Perception of the Diagnosis Announcement and its Impact on Quality of Life of Patients with Primary Melanoma or Basal Cell Carcinoma
Author(s) -
M. Aymonier,
C. Taïeb,
Florence Corgibet,
P. Joly,
J.-F. Séi,
V. Chaussade,
Caroline Philippe,
Khaled Ezzedine,
M.A. Richard
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
acta dermato-venereologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1651-2057
pISSN - 0001-5555
DOI - 10.2340/actadv.v102.2217
Subject(s) - basal cell carcinoma , quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , anxiety , skin cancer , melanoma , empathy , disease , perception , cancer , libido , sexual dysfunction , basal cell , clinical psychology , dermatology , psychology , psychiatry , nursing , cancer research , neuroscience
An improved understanding of the impact of skin cancer on patients’ daily life may optimize disease management. This questionnaire survey of adult patients in real-world settings aimed to assess patient perception of the diagnosis announcement, and the impact of the diagnosis on the patients’ professional and personal life. Data from 355 patients with melanoma and 320 patients with basal cell carcinoma were analysed. Melanoma significantly impacted the couple, and sexual relationships, as well as family and social life, and reduced the patient’s libido more significantly than did basal cell carcinoma (all p < 0.05). Melanoma and basal cell carcinoma significantly impacted the patients’ professional and personal lives. The word “cancer” used for a basal cell carcinoma announcement has a high anxiety-producing meaning for the patient. The announcement of each skin cancer should be made during a dedicated consultation, with more time devoted to the patient and with specific empathy, in order to improve reassurance of the patient.