SOME RECURRENT LIFE HISTORY PATTERNS OBSERVED IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT DISEASE

Abstract

In the clinical evaluation of 250 patients with malignant neoplastic disease, 4 factors appeared to differentiate them from a control group. These were: (1) a lost relationship prior to the diagnosis of the cancer; (2) an inability to express hostility in their own defense; (3) feelings of unworthiness and self-dislike; (4) tension over the relationship with one or both parents. A psychodynamic pattern emphasizing a traumatic event in childhood and including the factors listed above was hypothesized for 62% of the neoplastic patients and 10% of a control group.