M.A. (Social Work) / Cancer is a common condition and is becoming an important issue in South Africa. During their lifetime people may develop different forms of cancer such as lung -, throat -, skin -, colon -, and breast cancer. Cancer affects people of different age groups from small children up to older people. It cuts across different racial groups and different socio economic levels. The patient with cancer faces one of the greatest stress situations known to man. Cancer is frequently a chronic disease. Acute periods of illness or intensive therapy may interrupt periods of normality for months or years. Treatment may necessitate major alterations in lifestyle or normal body functions. The diagnosis of cancer is seen by many as synonymous with death. (Kellogg & Sullivan : 1978) Kellogg (1978) believes that the fear of loss of self determination, of being dependent and non - productive, can be more stressful than the prospect of death itself. The patient may also fear that the disease, the results of treatment, or the changes he presumes will result, will cause others to isolate or abandon him...
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:4416 |
| Date | 18 March 2014 |
| Creators | Modise, Julia Mantsali |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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