1n the present study, we compared Cancer and life-sty1e diseases , and shed light on
how Cancer is perceived. Moreover, we a1so strived to shed light on recollection of
death by cancer patients after receiving cancer notification, as well as the image of
Cancer. Out of 294 survey participants , 81 participants were subjects with cancer
patient, whi1e 168 participants were subjects with no cancer patient. With regard to
survey method, we prepared separate mu1tip1e choice questionnaires for s ubjects with
cancer patient and subjects with no cancer patient, and conducted the survey.
Questionnaires were distributed via post or hand delivery, and filled questionnaires
were collected through return post or direct collection. Questionnaire for subjects with
cancer patient was composed of tota1 15 questions including one question re1ated to
“Age" , 12 questions re1ated to "comparison of the images of cancer and life-sty1e
diseases" , and 2 questions “about death". Moreover, questionnaire for subjects with no
cancer patient was composed of tota1 14 questions including two questions re1ated to
"Age, past experience of cancer in family or close friends" ‘ and 12 questions related to
"comparison of the images of cancer and life style diseases ". Survey was conducted
between September 2006 and February 2007. Survey results showed that Cancer is
still a disease that would evoke thoughts of death. Moreover, subjects with no cancer
patient had more consciousness about death than subjects with cancer patient. In
addition, although there were some individual variations, over 90% of subjects with
cancer patient thought about their‘ own death. Generally, especially at medical
institutions, talking about death is considered taboo. However, talking about death is
actually talking about life . Medical professiona1s can not easily talk about death due to
their nature of work . However, it is desired to ta1k about death at times according to
the needs of patient, and give him home about living. In future , we would like to
suggest multifaceted support to Cancer patients including their families in concrete
terms.