Oncology-related illnesses have become quite frequent in our lives. Lately, medical progress in the field of oncology has led to an increase in the survival rates of people diagnosed with cancer. The minimisation of disturbances in the lives of these people is done by each on their own, by using defence mechanisms and coping skills.

To identify the coping and defence mechanisms of subjects diagnosed with cancer compared with non-clinical subjects.

To increase quality of life of subjects diagnosed with cancer through psychotherapy interventions.

Nineteen subjects diagnosed with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy were recruited to the study. For comparison, a control group of non-clinical participants were also recruited. Participants were included into the study according to particular inclusion/exclusion criteria. The evaluation was conducted during 2014 and consisted of the analysis of the following parameters: socio-demographic data, clinical data, defence mechanisms (DSQ-60) and coping mechanisms (COPE scale).

The group of subjects diagnosed with cancer demonstrated the presence of defence mechanisms of the following type: passive aggressiveness, projection and coping mechanisms that were characterised by an emphasis on social support. The control group had defence mechanisms of the following types: repression, denial and coping mechanisms that focused on emotions.

There are differences in defence and coping mechanisms between subjects with cancer compared to the non-clinical group. It may be that defence and coping mechanisms can be optimized through psychotherapy interventions to increase quality of life.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.