Aim of the study:
To identify and quantify the major sources of workplace and non-workplace stress, plus commonly-used coping strategies among a group of cancer therapists.

Subject or material and methods:
Individual personal interviews were conducted with 16 Radiation Therapists (RTs) and 13 Radiation Oncology Nurses (ONs) at two Brisbane hospitals.

Results:
Major workplace stressors were administration difficulties, patient issues, equipment and staffing issues; Major coping strategies included seeking help from mental health professionals, talking (with colleagues, supervisor, family), doing extra work, and doing nothing or withdrawing from work problems. Non-workplace stressors included family health and stress, relationship issues and financial problems. Coping strategies included taking time for self, exercise and acceptance.

Discussion:
The variations in stressors and coping strategies between the hospitals and professional streams studied indicate that generic interventions to improve the well-being of workers are less likely to be successful than those that are tailored.

Conclusions:
Provision of psychotherapy services for cancer therapists require accurate data regarding their major stressors and coping styles. The findings from this study help focus those services for maximum effectiveness.