Cancer as a Criterion A Traumatic Stressor for Veterans: Prevalence and Correlates

Psychological Trauma : Theory, Research, Practice and Policy
Elizabeth A MulliganJennifer Moye

Abstract

The diagnosis of cancer is an uncontrollable stressor posing the threat of death and disfigurement, often followed by repeated exposure to aversive reminders in the form of noxious treatments, persisting side effects, reengagement at times of surveillance, and the threat of recurrence. The phenomenon of cancer as a traumatic stressor is explored in this study, with a focus on the prevalence and correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Criterion A in a sample of 170 mostly male adults who received health care at VA Medical Centers in Boston or Houston. Participants were interviewed 6 months after diagnosis with head and neck, gastro-esophageal, or colorectal cancers. Approximately half-42.9% to 65.9% depending on cut-score used-perceived cancer to be a traumatic stressor involving actual/threatened death or injury or threat to physical integrity as well as fear, helplessness, or horror. Younger veterans and those with current combat PTSD symptoms were more likely to perceive cancer as a traumatic stressor, as were those who perceived their prognosis as uncertain; 12% had PTSD symptoms above a PCLC cut score of 50, which is similar to incidence rates of PTSD associated with other traumatic stressors. Cancer, therefore, ...Continue Reading

Citations

Apr 27, 2019·Frontiers in Psychiatry·Annina Seiler, Josef Jenewein
Apr 2, 2020·Journal of Palliative Medicine·Zachary S SagerJennifer Moye
Apr 14, 2020·Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·Frances R Nedjat-HaiemShiraz I Mishra
Apr 4, 2016·Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·Ali AlkanHakan Akbulut

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