ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The diagnostic of cancer is generally associated with a psychological shock. Body's defense mechanisms and drugs cannot resolve emotional distress and symptoms of cancer. A need for psychosocial management of the African patient is necessary. OBJECTIF: Study of perception of the cancer diagnosis announcement by Ivory Coast patients suffering of cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a bicenter retrospective and cross-sectional study which aims at describing data over a period of seven (7) months (November 2017 to May 2018). This study took place in the haematology and oncology departments respectively in CHU of Yopougon and Treichville. Patient recruitment was carried out exhaustively. The data was collected using a standardized questionnaire, developed in the french language, which was given individually under the direction of the oncopsychiatrist investigator. The investigation required the presence of an interpreter for patients who did not speak French. This study exhibits sociodemographic, clinical, therapeutical and medico-psychosocial data. So, 120 patients were included. RESULTS: Breast's cancer was frequent (61%) and found at advanced stages (71%). Incurability and death's idea were 0.8% and 3.3%, respectively. Diagnostic announcement was good in 95% cases, but patients developed sadness (63.3%), denial (10%) and idea of suicide (3.4%). The psychosocial life of patients was affected by depressed state (35%). The therapeutical route was marked by medical treatment (42%), religious (41%), herbal treatment (9%). Altogether, 68.3% of patients had a social support, either given by friends (47.6%) or were financially supported (36.6 %) . CONCLUSION: This study was oriented towards formalization or integration of a psycho-oncological intervention during the management of a black patient group suffering from various cancers.
