When the oncological patient gives support

Introduction: In the process of coping with the oncological disease important role is played by social support. The aim of this study is to determine the importance of the role of the social support offered by the patient.

Material and methods: The study included 35 patients over 18 years of age (18 women and 17 men), suffering from the blood cancer, receiving chemotherapy and treated with bone marrow transplantation. The study was conducted using the questionnaire method with the following questionnaires: author’s questionnaire received and given support, both emotional and instrumental, Mental Scale Adjustment to Cancer Diseases – Mini-MAC in adaptation Z. Juczyński and Cantril Ladder.

Results: The present study shows a favorable picture of the given support mechanism in the context of cancer. Given support is significantly associated with a destructive coping strategies, and it was no connection with constructive strategies. The results of the quality of life show some inconsistency. In the context of psychological work with oncological patients given support should be taken into account, the role played by the patients who give support their relatives is significantly important.