Adjusting to pancreatic cancer: perspectives from first-degree relatives.
OBJECTIVE
The combination of a difficult early diagnosis, few treatment options, and high mortality rate could make the experience of pancreatic cancer different from the experience of other cancers, both for patients and families. To design effective interventions for families with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, there is need for a model of family members' adjustment to cancer that is specific to these unique aspects of pancreatic cancer.


METHODS
Trained clinical interviewers and a genetic counselor conducted phone interviews with 22 first-degree relatives-parents, siblings, and offspring-from a pool of participating family members. The interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative coding methods.


RESULTS
Participants expressed both similar and different themes compared with other literature on adjustment to cancer. Relatives struggled through both the initial diagnosis and its aftermath, seeking to balance their own strong feelings with the needs of the ailing family member. Support systems were identified as very important, regardless of the source of the support, and those without them reported more intense difficulties. Many family members felt that everything was happening too fast to slow down and process what was going on.


CONCLUSIONS
Pancreatic cancer families may be unable to cope by taking one day at a time and must find other ways of dealing with stress. Also, the compressed timeline between diagnosis and death may heighten certain coping behaviors, such as the reevaluation of one's priorities.
Puget Sound Health Alliance, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Kerri
K
Petrin
Deborah J
DJ
Bowen
Catherine M
CM
Alfano
Robin
R
Bennett
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001293:Attitude to Death; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D012944:Social Support