Patient-Perceived Changes in the System of Values After Cancer Diagnosis

A cross-sectional study investigated changes in patients’ value systems following a diagnosis of cancer. Fifty patients at
1 to 6 months following cancer diagnosis, were asked to compare their current values with their recollection of past values.
Using the Rokeach Value Survey we obtained statistically significant results showing that twenty-seven out of thirty-six values
changed their importance from the patients’ perspective: 16 values significantly increased, while 11 values significantly
decreased in importance. Changes with respect to nine values were insignificant. We indentified clusters of values increasing
in importance the most: Religious morality (Salvation, Forgiving, Helpful, Clean), Personal orientation (Self-Respect, True Friendship, Happiness), Self–constriction (Self-Controlled, Obedient, Honest), Family security (Family Security, Responsible), and Delayed gratification (Wisdom, Inner Harmony). We also observed that the following value clusters decreased in importance: Immediate gratification (An Exciting Life, Pleasure, A Comfortable Life); Self–expansion (Capable, Ambitious, Broadminded), Competence (A Sense of Accomplishment, Imaginative, Intellectual). The remaining values belonged to clusters that as a group changed
slightly or not at all. Practical implications of the study are discussed.