LIFE WITH BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC)
The most important thing for people with cancer is receiving effective treatment. But managing cancer involves much more than effective treatment. Any cancer diagnosis comes with physical and emotional challenges and profound life changes. At first, it may be difficult to realize exactly how big a change cancer may bring. As a result, people diagnosed with cancer may have difficulty adjusting.
Negative Impact of Advanced BCC Patients
- 57% of patients had limited activities, such as exercise, strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects, or outdoor activities, to avoid sun exposure.
- Approximately 50% of patients described their disease as visible (with scarring).
- Approximately 50% of patients reported experiencing self-consciousness or feeling embarrassed about their appearance due to scarring.
- 52% of patients reported an impact on their social or leisure activities.
- 19% of patients experienced fatigue, limiting their ability to complete every-day activities.
More than half of patients with advanced BCC report a negative impact of disease on their emotional functioning.
- 43% feel anxious
- 36% feel depressed or use antidepressants
- 29% feel unable to focus or difficulty concentrating
- 29% feel worry regarding future surgical and other procedures