[Subjective discomfort of stomach cancer and esophageal cancer patients in after-care].

In the framework of a study on the rehabilitation needs in gastric and oesophageal cancer patients, 100 gastric and 100 oesophageal cancer patients were interviewed on their subjective emotional state and physical functioning. The potentially cured patients were admitted to our in-patient aftercare programme an average 9.5 months following primary treatment. Major psychological distress was reported by 69.5% of the patients. Brooding, unrest, nervousness, and insomnia were the most frequently named complaints in both groups. 93% reported physical limitations, and 80% felt their conditions of life more or less restricted by their disease. 50% of all patients reported lack of drive, 30% an inclination to withdraw and a basic attitude of resignation. No significant differences between gastric and oesophageal cancer patients were found concerning type and frequency of the complaint.