The Significance of Adaptation and Coping with Disease among Patients with Diagnosed Gynaecological Cancer in the Context of Disease Acceptance

Abstract

Uterine/endometrial and ovarian tumours are among the most common gynaecological cancers. Adaptation to cancer encompasses a variety of complex behavioural, cognitive, and emotional processes. The purpose of mental adaptation is to alleviate emotional discomfort and regain mental stability. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of adaptation and coping with gynaecological cancer on the level of disease acceptance among the studied women. The study included 81 patients diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. Mental adaptation to cancer was measured using the Min-Mac scale, disease acceptance was measured using the AIS and the level of adaptation was measured using the CAPS. The average AIS score was 26.65 ± 8.85 points. Adaptation and coping methods did not vary significantly depending on the diagnosed type of cancer. The constructive style of fighting the disease prevailed (45.11 ± 6.01). The AIS scores correlated significantly and positively with the intensity of the constructive style of mental adaptation, and negatively with the intensity of the destructive style. The studied group of patients with gynaecological cancer displayed a moderate level of disease acceptance, the constructive style of adaptation was the most prevalent, and the location of the cancer did not have an effect on coping mechanisms.