Stigma and Psychological profilE in REctal-anal caNcer pAtients

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Psychological tests administration: Psychological tests administration to evaluate stigma, personality characteristics and quality of life of rectal and anal cancer patients.

Study summary

In 2022, Italy is estimated to have 48,100 cases of colon-rectum cancer. Locally advanced mid-lower rectal cancers require preoperative chemo-radiotherapy with fluoropyrimidine. The diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer have a significant impact on patients' well-being, causing physical and psychological distress. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, are commonly reported. While distress levels have been examined before, the relationship between other aspects of the patient experience, such as psychosocial factors, stigma, temperament and personality, alexithymia, have not been extensively explored. Colorectal cancer is associated with specific socially stigmatized challenges. Stigmatization is defined as societal identification of an individual as abnormal and worthy of separation, leading to discrimination and loss of social status. Rectal cancer patients may perceive high levels of stigma and blame due to factors such as defecation-related symptoms, colonoscopy or rectal examinations, physical limitations, loss of work ability and the use of colostomy or ileostomy. Anal cancer, although traditionally surrounded by social stigma, is gaining awareness worldwide due to increasing diagnoses. In other forms of cancer, stigma has been linked to personality traits. Given the characteristics related to the illness and the profile of rectal and anal cancer patients, it is important to assess the psychological traits and psychological resources, also in order to establish tailored psychological pathways during the disease trajectory that comprehend chemoradiations and possible subsequent surgery. Currently, there is no documented data on the relationship between stigma, and psychological profiles in rectal and anal cancer patients. Aim of this protocol is to evaluate the stigma, and psychopathological profile in rectal and anal cancer patients and to evaluate changes in those variables over time.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Evaluation of rectal and anal cancer stigma — 24 months
  PSS (modified) Perceived Stigma Scale. A self-administered questionnaire to measure perceived stigma through 7 items on a five-point Likert scale (ranging from 0 = never to 4 = always), with a higher score reflecting a greater level of perceived stigma (min score 0 max score 28).

Trial sites (2)

More Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS trials in Italy

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