Predictive Factor for Emotional Fragility in Early Stage Melanoma Diagnosis
Abstract Objective. Melanoma patients remain at risk of disease progression for many years after diagnosis. Psychological distress, depression and anxiety are emotional conditions that negatively influence both the patients’ quality of life and the clinical course of the disease, laying down for a slow recovery as well as for an increase in comorbidity. Aim of the study was to analyze the psychological needs of young and adult patients diagnosed with early stage melanoma by gender sensitivity. Methods. A sample of 92 patients (age range 18-55 years) with diagnosis of melanoma stage T0-T1a-T1b participated in the study. The examined emotional variables were: psychological distress, depression, stress, anxiety, metacognitions and body self-perception. Results. The results highlighted significant gender differences: females appeared psychologically more vulnerable than males; another interesting point was no aging depending. Female emotional pattern showed higher anxiety, and psychological distress associated to lower positive self-perception of body image. No significant difference among cancer staging, as well as no interaction effect and neither significant covariance by age.Conclusion. Prevention and intervention protocols must be adapted taking into account gender differences in the adoption of preventive behaviors and compliance with medical recommendations