Abstract

Cancer patients experience a variety of symptoms. Greater symptom freight has been associated with higher levels of emotional suffering, poor functioning and overall quality of life Heidrich et al. [1]. Quality of life is an important principle in oncology Alejandro et al. [2]. The occurrence of mental disorders is common in cancer patients, particularly at the final stage of the illness, while intense patient distress is a critical public health issue Car et al. [3]. Hopelessness is one of the most frequent and important conditions described in medically ill patients Dunn et al. [4]. Few topics have created as much interest in end-of-life research as the construct of hopelessness Rosenfeld et al. [5].