Cancer Does Not Phase Us: Exploring Anxiety Levels in Rural Oncology Patients

Abstract

Patients diagnosed with cancer suffer multiple psychosocial burdens, usually compounded when living in rural areas. In many instances, these same patients have few concrete financial resources. Such worries can manifest themselves in the form of anxiety and depression. This descriptive study examined anxiety levels among patients attending a small cancer treatment center in rural northeast Mississippi. The goal of this study was to examine anxiety levels within this unique population. A Beck Anxiety Scale was self-administered by patients who were then given a gas card and a list of support group referrals in the hopes they would attend support groups to lower levels of anxiety and/or depression.

KEYWORDS:

• Cancer patients
• rural
• anxiety
• Beck Anxiety Inventory
• social work

Notes

This project was funded by the Mississippi Cancer Coalition with funds from the Centers for Disease Control.

1. One person identified as being Native American, and one person chose not to answer the racial question.