It is much easier for some people to be "patients" than it is for others. Some people feel they will be loved and value and attended to no matter their struggle and what it requires of significant others. Others believe thay must not overburden others with their needs and wants and fears and move away or push away when they are afraid they will be viewed as needy or diminished. Yhis type of cancer does so many things that may lead some people to feel diminished: fatigue, pimples, weight loss, loss of hair, not being able to work, being fed through a tube, throwing up, loosing teeth. Maybe it's easier to push someone away when you are afraid they will ultimately push you away?