Physical and Mental Care for Cancer Patients
Short-term and long-term obstacles to physical and mental health, family dynamics, and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle are specific to cancer survivors. Throughout a patient’s lifetime, long-term and late consequences of cancer treatment may develop during or after treatment. In order to prevent cancer recurrence and the emergence of new tumours, survivors may also require regular monitoring. As a result, cancer might be seen as a chronic condition, and suggestions for long-term survivorship treatment are emerging. When receiving treatment for cancer and receiving follow-up care, cancer survivors who had other chronic diseases or health risk factors at the time of diagnosis may experience more difficulties. Cancer kinds and treatment options affect physical symptoms differently, although they frequently include fatigue, disturbed sleep, discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rashes, and cognitive issues.
Several variables, including the type and stage of cancer at diagnosis, the patient’s prognosis, the type of treatments taken, the patient’s age, and comorbidities, might affect how these symptoms affect the quality of life. Cancer survivors are substantially more likely than persons without cancer to be in poor health, have a number of chronic medical illnesses, and have functional and job restrictions even years after their diagnosis.
Mental Health
A multidisciplinary speciality called psychosocial oncology focuses on the psychological, social, and behavioural aspects of cancer. It is especially pertinent to the quality of life of cancer patients from the time of diagnosis to survivorship treatment, and it can significantly help to raise survivors’ overall health status.
Younger age, less education, a higher number of noncancer medical issues, lower income, and not being coupled or married are risk factors for inferior mental-health-related quality of life in cancer survivors. Significant physical, emotional, social, occupational, and financial pressures, as well as corresponding increases in anxiety and depression symptoms, may accompany cancer diagnosis and treatment. The first three years following treatment are crucial for keeping track of cancer survivors’ mental health. Early post-treatment challenges may include a change in the emphasis of medical care, a fear of recurrence, the return to normal activities, late and long-term consequences of therapy, and the perception of losing support from family and friends. Long-term cancer survivors may have psychological hardships brought on by cancer recurrence.
Post-Traumatic Growth
A beneficial life transformation that results from a traumatic, upsetting experience is referred to as “post-traumatic growth.” Some patients see this growth throughout their cancer treatment. Researchers point out that resilience and post-traumatic growth are distinct concepts. Resilience is the ability to resume one’s prior levels of functioning. Positive personal improvement is referred to as post-traumatic growth.
Even with post-traumatic growth, stress and unfavourable emotions are still possible. Both development and adversity can occur simultaneously. In actuality, the majority of those who speak of post-traumatic growth also speak of problems.
Not everyone experiences post-traumatic growth or post-traumatic stress, for that matter. According to research, these persons are more likely to encounter it:
- Individuals who often adapt effectively to new situations and challenges
- Those that maintain a positive perspective
- Those who benefit from a robust social support system
Consider the following actions to encourage personal growth during your cancer experience:
- Look for strategies to lessen your tension and worry. Exercise frequently, practise relaxation techniques, and communicate with encouraging friends.
- Process your feelings by writing in a journal or making art.
- Think about speaking with a trained counsellor in the field of mental health. This can aid in putting your experience with cancer into perspective and aid in assisting you in coping with the uncertainty that the disease can bring.
- By speaking with people who have experienced cancer similarly, whether in person or online, you can get support and inspiration from one another.
- Make a vision for your post-trauma life. Consider the lessons you’ve learnt since receiving a cancer diagnosis and the experience that followed. Plan how you wish to have a fuller life after that.
For further information on understanding the psychological challenges faced by cancer patients, one can refer to cancer.gov.
Palliative Care
Physical symptoms and adverse effects are possible with cancer and its treatment. They may also have an impact on your finances, relationships, and emotions. Palliative or supportive care is the term for the treatment of these side effects.
Along with cancer treatments that aim to stop, slow down, or cure the disease, palliative care is a crucial component of medical therapy. Palliative care, according to research, can increase your quality of life and make you feel happier with your medical care. Palliative care may begin as soon as you find that you have cancer and you may continue to get it while undergoing treatment and recovering. For instance, palliative care may be provided to cancer survivors who continue to experience symptoms or side effects after their treatment has finished.
The first person to discuss palliative care with you may be your oncologist. You might visit a doctor at a hospital, a clinic, or even in your home, depending on the kind of care you require. Your cancer care team may be the first to provide palliative care. Inform them of any symptoms you experience. Also discuss any concerns or changes in your life with them, such as the need for transportation to the hospital or time off work.
Palliative care, also known as supportive care, is a type of treatment intended to lessen symptoms, enhance the quality of life, and support you and your family. It is a crucial component in cancer treatment. Palliative care comes in many forms and frequently entails:
- Medication
- Nutritional adjustments
- Calming strategies
- Spiritual and emotional assistance
This misperception is typical. Palliative care is an option for you at any time, even if you’re receiving therapy to stop the spread of cancer or cure it. You can maximize the advantages of palliative treatment by beginning it as soon as possible.
Some people mistake hospice care for palliative care. Although some patients survive longer, it’s crucial to understand that hospice care is a form of palliative care for those whose predicted lifespan is 6 months or less.
Conclusion
From the time of cancer diagnosis until long-term survivorship, a number of cancer-related and noncancer factors have an impact on the quality of life of cancer survivors. Mental health is directly impacted by physical health and symptoms, and vice versa. Like the outcomes of the majority of diseases, the quality of life for cancer survivors is determined by socioeconomic level, access to care, the availability of supportive services, and rural-urban differences. For cancer survivors, keeping an eye on their physical health is just as crucial as checking for mental health problems.
Future studies will need to follow survivors over an extended period to discover crucial opportunities for follow-up, chances for interventions in physical and mental health, and elements that could lessen or buffer the negative effects of cancer and treatment.
Additionally, there is a need for survivorship studies that concentrate on male patients, younger patients, and patients with malignancies other than breast cancer.
