Stigma and Psychological profilE in REctal-anal caNcer pAtients
This is not medical advice. AI-assisted translation — inaccuracies may occur. Always verify the original and consult your oncologist before taking any steps.
About the trial
In 2022, Italy is estimated to have 48,100 cases of colon-rectum cancer. Locally advanced mid-lower rectal cancers require preoperative chemo-radiotherapy with fluoropyrimidine. The diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer have a significant impact on patients' well-being, causing physical and psychological distress. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, are commonly reported. While distress levels have been examined before, the relationship between other aspects of the patient experience, such as psychosocial factors, stigma, temperament and personality, alexithymia, have not been extensively explored. Colorectal cancer is associated with specific socially stigmatized challenges. Stigmatization is defined as societal identification of an individual as abnormal and worthy of separation, leading to discrimination and loss of social status. Rectal cancer patients may perceive high levels of stigma and blame due to factors such as defecation-related symptoms, colonoscopy or rectal examinations, physical limitations, loss of work ability and the use of colostomy or ileostomy. Anal cancer, although traditionally surrounded by social stigma, is gaining awareness worldwide due to increasing diagnoses. In other forms of cancer, stigma has been linked to personality traits. Given the characteristics related to the illness and the profile of rectal and anal cancer patients, it is important to assess the psychological traits and psychological resources, also in order to establish tailored psychological pathways during the disease trajectory that comprehend chemoradiations and possible subsequent surgery. Currently, there is no documented data on the relationship between stigma, and psychological profiles in rectal and anal cancer patients. Aim of this protocol is to evaluate the stigma, and psychopathological profile in rectal and anal cancer patients and to evaluate changes in those variables over time.
Original English text from ClinicalTrials.gov
Who can (and can't) join
✓ Qualifies
- •Rozpoznanie zaawansowanego raka odbytnicy lub odbytu wymagającego długotrwałej radioterapii
- •Aktualnie odbywana chemioradioterapia
- •Zdolność do wypełniania ankiet i kwestionariuszy
- •Wiek 18 lat i więcej
- •Podpisana świadoma zgoda na udział w badaniu
✗ Disqualifies
- •Wiek powyżej 75 lat
- •Pacjenci otrzymujący krótkotrwałą radioterapię
- •Pacjenci otrzymujący radioterapię paliatywną (łagodzącą)
- •Niezdolność do wyrażenia świadomej zgody
- •Zaburzenia psychiczne istniejące przed diagnozą raka
- •Poważne problemy z rozumieniem i używaniem języka
Simplified criteria — AI translation
Trial details
- Minimum age
- 18 Years
- Maximum age
- 75 Years
- Last updated (source)
- October 14, 2026
- Sex
- No restrictions
Therapies / drugs in trial
Locations (2)
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Psychology service
Roma, Italy
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS
Roma, Italy
Trial contact
Loredana Dinapoli
Contact information from ClinicalTrials.gov. Contact in English.
Share this trial
Data from ClinicalTrials.gov. AI-assisted translation, last sync: 10/15/2026.
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