Guilty Feeling In Smokers With Lung Cancer: A Psychological Study

20642 Background: Scientific data confirms the correlation between smoking and cancer. Few articles describe the personal experiences of lung cancer patients (pts). Methods: In our department we compared the experiences of smokers (S) with non-smokers (NS) with lung cancer, their possible feeling of guilt and the strategies they use to face up to their illness. From November 2006 to December 2007, 57 pts in chemotherapy or in follow up were asked to undergo a specific psychological interview divided into four areas: awareness of disease, life-style (personal and family), feeling of guilt and coping strategies. Results: 42 pts were in the S group: 40 males (95.24%) and 2 females (4.76%); mean age 68.3 years old (range 65–69); 15 pts were in the NS group: 9 males (60%) and 6 females (40%); mean age 71 years old (range 65–74). 76.19% S and 73.33% NS were fully aware of having cancer. 50% S compared with 73.33% NS had other serious health problems prior to the diagnosis of cancer. There was a presence of familiarity for cancer in 18% NS against 65% S. 52.38% S were aware that smoking could cause lung cancer. Against 47.62% S believe that work, pollution and familiarity are possible causes of their lung cancer but not smoking. There is a predominant fatalistic coping style in the S group (42.85%), while the NS shows a prevalent reactive approach (60%). Conclusions: No feeling of guilt (78.57%) was noted in the S group regarding the cause of their disease. This could be due to their limited knowledge or ability of reasoning as a result of their low level of education (61.90% S pts had completed only primary school), due to a fatalistic coping style or due to a defence mechanism which the pt creates so as not to feel responsible for his disease and preserve a positive self image. No significant financial relationships to disclose.