Examination of mental symptoms, anger, and death anxiety in elderly cancer patients

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a disease that changes a person’s expectations about death and life. The needs of elderly cancer patients differ according to other age groups. This study aims to reveal the relationship between psychological symptoms and death anxiety and anger expression in elderly patients diagnosed with cancer. Methods: Scales assessing anxiety, depression, death anxiety, and anger were administered to patients over 65 years of age diagnosed with cancer. Patients were asked about the type of cancer, when it was diagnosed, and what treatment they received. They were also asked with whom they lived and with whom they came to check. Results: Of the 201 patients included, 18.9% were diagnosed with anxiety disorder and 17.9% with depression. A high positive statistically significant correlation existed between anxiety and depression symptoms (r=0.755, p<0.001). There was a moderately positive and statistically significant correlation between anxiety symptoms and death anxiety (r=0.599, p<0.001) and state anger (r=0.504, p<0.001). A one-unit increase in state anger score increases the risk of developing depressive symptoms by 11%, while a one-unit increase in death anxiety increases the same risk by 10.6%. When we analyzed according to cut-off values, 124 (61.7% of the whole sample), participants had high death anxiety. Conclusion: Psychological symptoms in elderly cancer patients seem to be associated with death anxiety and anger. Death anxiety should not be considered a natural consequence of getting cancer. Screening for mental symptoms during stressful times can help identify psychological needs and provide targeted psychological support for the elderly. Keywords: Mental Health; Aged; Anger; Neoplasms.