Predictors of medical skepticism and psychological distress among older adult cancer survivors

The increased efficacy of cancer treatments has resulted in greater numbers of older adults who survive cancer. This study examined the psychological well-being of cancer survivors (with no evidence of disease) and their attitudes of medical skepticism toward physicians. The impact of recurrence, a family history of cancer, and physical functioning were examined. Higher levels of medical skepticism toward physicians were reported by survivors of recurrences and may reflect the intense experience of dealing with physicians over the course of two or more episodes of cancer. Because the research has implications concerning the relationship between cancer survivors and their physicians, physicians should consider the potential for medical skepticism and psychological distress among their patients who are cancer survivors.