Recalled life expectancy information, phase of illness and hope in cancer patients.

In this study two research questions were addressed: What is the relationship between recalled life expectancy information and hope in cancer patients? What effect does phase of illness have on the level of hope in cancer patients? A scale to measure hope was developed, used, and evaluated. In 55 cancer patients, an analysis of variance showed a significant main effect on hope for recalled life expectancy; difference in level of hope was found in cancer patients at different phases of illness. The findings indicated that individuals having no recollection of receiving information regarding their prognosis were more hopeful. The results have implications for determining what, how much, when, and how to communicate life expectancy information to patients who have cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.