Emotional responses to the diagnosis of cancer: age-related comparisons.

This study explored whether emotional responses to a cancer diagnosis differ among adult age groups. Following diagnosis and before treatment, newly diagnosed, hospitalized patients with cancer responded to five instruments. Data analysis indicated no differences in perceptions of health prior to diagnosis among four adult age groups but did reveal differences in post-diagnosis adjustment. The youngest group (less than 50 years of age) experienced the most distress in learning of their diagnosis, while the oldest group (greater than 70 years of age) experienced significantly less psychological distress than all other age groups. However, the oldest group was significantly less positive than the youngest group in their attitudes toward cancer. This information is valuable to nurses caring for adults newly diagnosed with cancer because individuals' beliefs about cancer will influence their behavior.