Assesment of denial and depression relation in gastrointestinal cancers

Objective: The impact of denial on cancer patients well-being is beneficial or harmful remains unknown. The purpose of current study is to investigate the relationship between denial, defence mechanisms and coping styles and depression in a sample of digestive system cancer patients. Method: This project was a case-control study. Denial and depression were measured 105 digestive system cancer patients (n=36 34.3% were depression cases). The level of denial was measured using the Denial of Cancer Interview. Depression was measured with SCID-1 interview and HADS. Defence mechanisms were measured with Defence Mechanisms Scale. Coping styles were measured with COPE. Patient-reported quality of life was measured using the EORTC-QLQ- 30. Results: Depressive patients were less likely to deny. Behavioural disengagement, neurotic and immature defence mechanisms were used more frequently in depressive digestive system cancer patients. Also family history of psychiatric disorders, pain and rectal cancer were related to depression. Mature defence mechanisms, humour, denial and dissociation have protective functions against depression in digestive system cancer patients. Conclusion: Denial in digestive system cancer patients can have a protective effect on depression and quality of life outcomes. Clinicians should take this into account when providing information about the illness and its prognosis.