Cancer

 

Cancer is a condition caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells on any part of the body such as the breast, rectum, cervix, oral cavity and brain, to name a few. This may affect people of all ages, gender and race. If the condition is not treated, it may result in serious illness or even death. In some instances, cancer may result in deformity and or loss of function of the body part affected. Various aspects of one’s life can change as a result of a cancer diagnosis. In addition to dealing with the physical impact of the cancer diagnosis, there are some psychological, sociological and economical implications that people living with cancer have to deal with. Not only does cancer impact on the patient, but also on those surrounding them.

 

Emotional aspects of cancer

 

It is normal for people diagnosed with cancer to feel a certain degree of depression, anxiety, and fear when cancer becomes part of their lives. One may question themselves “why me”, but then if not you then who?  Being diagnosed with cancer is a life changing experience and such feelings may come as a result of fear of loss of income and not being able to fulfill family role. Imagine a 25 year old woman who has just started a new job and has a 2 month old baby who gets diagnosed with cancer of the breast or a 40 year old man who has recently been married who gets diagnosed with prostate cancer. A person with cancer might feel some loss of control over life events. This may be in addition to dealing with changes in body image. Some might feel grief at the losses and changes in their lives which cancer brings. There might be fear of death, suffering, pain, or all the unknown things that lie ahead. Not only the patient has these feelings but family members and caregivers may have these feelings too. Fear of losing a loved one becomes imminent. They may also feel angry because someone they love has cancer, frustrated that they “can’t do enough,” or stressed because they have to do more at home.

 

How can people affected with cancer cope with these changes?

 

Support for people living with cancer can take various forms and can come from different sources.  Cancer patients and their families may require emotional support (helps provide purpose and meaning for the disease experience), informational support (to guide and advise), empowerment with resources to support psychological and physical adjustment to cancer. Various studies conducted on people living with cancer have shown that those who have a strong support system do well.

 

How does the support system help?

 

• Good interpersonal relationships

• Restoration of self esteem lost as a result of the cancer experience

• Reduces distress

• Providing information to help with perceptions about cancer- to dispel common myths surrounding cancer

• Provide ways of managing illness and coping

• Reduce feelings of future vulnerability

• Helps understand the cause and course of cancer as well as the options available

• Provision of practical assistance such as help with household chores, transport, financial help etc

 

The changes as a result of cancer cannot be underestimated. As somebody living with cancer, reach out to all the possible sources of help you can. That could be your health and care provider, your family, your friends, social support groups or your church. And those who know people with cancer, offer help and support in any way you can. Your help will go a long way to improve someone’s life.

M.G. Rebirth International ministry is a Mentoring Ministry that seeks to offer other support to those who may need it.