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Annals of Oncology 14:57-61, 2003
© 2003 European Society for Medical Oncology

Original Paper

Oncology health care professionals’ attitudes to cancer: a professional concern

N. Kearney1,+, M. Miller1, J. Paul2, K. Smith2 and A. M. Rice1

1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Glasgow, Glasgow; 2 CRC Trials Unit, Beatson Oncology Centre, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK

Received 23 April 2002; revised 30 July 2002; accepted 31 July 2002

Background:

Despite the known benefits of screening, early detection and advances in treatment modalities, negative attitudes to cancer persist among health care professionals, and cancer remains the most feared disease in modern society. Attitudes to cancer may create a barrier to communication between patients and health care professionals, hinder early detection, treatment and rehabilitation, and may influence decision making about referral to specialist services and the selection of appropriate treatments.

Design:

A descriptive survey was conducted, within a Regional Cancer Centre, to evaluate oncology health care professionals’ attitudes towards cancer. Attitudes were measured using the Burns’ Cancer Belief Scales.

Results:

Regardless of gender, profession and clinical experience, all health care professionals displayed persistently negative attitudes towards cancer. No statistically significant difference was detected between gender, profession, clinical experience or specialist education, and although small in number, no major differences were found between group means.

Conclusions:

Oncology health care professionals hold negative attitudes towards cancer and changing these attitudes presents a significant challenge. Educational programmes and supportive strategies may alleviate fears and promote a more positive image of cancer. However, such strategies must be based on an understanding of current attitudes towards this phenomenon.

Key words: attitudes, cancer, health care professionals


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