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Carefree People May Miss Rectal Cancer
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FRIDAY, Jan. 14 (HealthDayNews) -- Carefree, optimistic people are more likely to ignore symptoms of rectal cancer for long periods of time and receive treatment at a later stage than people who are more anxious by nature, says a study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The study of 69 patients with rectal cancer found those with at least moderate levels of anxiety tended to recognize rectal bleeding and other symptoms of rectal cancer as signs of a serious illness. People with low overall anxiety levels were more prone to disregard such symptoms for a long time. "Almost everyone has heard about people who had cancer symptoms long before they sought help. I was curious about the psychology behind this," researcher Stephen Ristvedt, an assistant professor of medical psychology in psychiatry, said in a prepared statement. "Most people assume the explanation is fear or denial or a reluctance to hear the ''C-word'' from a doctor. So, I was surprised to find those who are generally optimistic and unconcerned had the longest delays," he said. The findings suggest that different approaches need to be used to encourage carefree people to pay attention to symptoms of cancer or other health problems. "We would like to figure out how to reach these people and get them to understand that their positive attitude may actually interfere with healthy behaviors," Ristvedt said. The study will appear in the May issue of Psycho-Oncology and is currently available on the journal''s Web site. More information The American Cancer Society has more about rectal and colon cancer.
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