Because every moment experienced during cancer treatment is uncertain, cancer comes as a fear to both patients and their guardians. However, if they rely on each other during this time, the journey toward complete recovery will be less lonely. Amiring will share how to warmly support cancer patients.

 

Today's cancer letter, two-line summary

 

1. The mind of a cancer patient is as difficult as the body.

2. If you are with guardians or acquaintances, you can feel the value of life more deeply.

Cancer that causes psychological and mental pain

 

Cancer is a disease that causes great psychological shock and pain. Unlike other diseases with high predictability, cancer's treatment outcomes are relatively uncertain. This is why the psychological anxiety of cancer patients tends to be high. Professor Kim Jung-hyun of the Department of Psychiatry at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital said, "Cancer is a traumatic event that confronts death, directly threatening life," and added, "This is also why cancer patients often complain of depression, anxiety, and insomnia."

The mental suffering experienced during the process of being diagnosed and treated for cancer is called 'distress.' Statistics from University College London in the UK indicate that 35-44% of cancer patients experience distress. In particular, physical changes and fatigue caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy significantly reduce the patient's quality of life. This can create a vicious cycle that deepens mental suffering and negatively impacts treatment prognosis.

 

Reasons why emotional support is needed for cancer patients

 

To break the vicious cycle and ensure positive treatment outcomes, it is essential to care for the mental health of cancer patients. Distress reduces the function of natural killer (NK) cells, increasing the likelihood of cancer recurrence and metastasis. Professor Kim Kyung-ran of the Department of Psychiatry at Ilsan CHA Hospital stated, "Anxiety and loneliness negatively affect the body," and emphasized, "To enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment and prevent recurrence or metastasis, active management of stress in cancer patients is necessary." A study conducted by the research team led by Jingxian Zhao at the American Cancer Society involving 3,477 cancer survivors aged 50 and above found that those who felt lonely had a more than 60% higher risk of death compared to those who did not. This suggests that emotional support for cancer patients can improve psychological stability and resilience, positively influencing treatment outcomes.

 

Guardian, positive contribution to the overcoming process

The most important role in emotional support for cancer patients is the 'caregiver.' Family, friends, or acquaintances who are with the cancer patient providing emotional encouragement are essential elements in the process of cancer treatment and overcoming the disease. Professor Shin Da-woon of the Department of Psychiatry at Korea University Anam Hospital stated, "Just having a caregiver by their side can be a great source of strength for cancer patients." There is also a Chinese study showing that the five-year survival rate of married cancer patients is 12% higher than that of unmarried cancer patients.

If you are a family member or acquaintance of a cancer patient, please check the Korean Cancer Association's code of conduct. The six recommended ways by the Korean Cancer Association to become a proper caregiver for a cancer patient are as follows: ▲ Do your best in cancer treatment ▲ Understand the psychological struggles the patient faces immediately after diagnosis ▲ Help the patient avoid feelings of guilt about the diagnosis ▲ Ask medical staff about any questions ▲ Appoint a family leader. Professor Kim Jung-hyun said, "It takes a lot of time for patients and families to become rational and reasonable in their actions after a cancer diagnosis," and emphasized, "It is important to find a sense of community and connection to maintain psychological stability and prevent the patient from feeling isolated."

 

Relieve the burden and respect autonomy

It is important not to place psychological burdens on cancer patients. Often, the psychological difficulties of patients are dismissed as a matter of willpower, and they are told to stay strong unconditionally. Professor Shin Da-woon said, "Nowadays, cancer is considered nothing special," or "It will be okay," but what is more important is to acknowledge and empathize with the patient's feelings, such as saying, "It must be really tough." Exercise and diet should also be tailored to the patient's physical condition. Respecting autonomy encourages patients to feel that they are actively leading their own lives.

 

Finding small everyday joys can also provide significant emotional support for cancer patients. Since cancer treatment often makes daily life feel depressing, it is helpful for caregivers to accompany patients on light walks or share hobby activities, helping patients have positive experiences outside of treatment.

 

The difficult journey of cancer treatment requires a lot of energy and patience from both cancer patients and their caregivers. While it is important for cancer patients to try to become stronger on their own, they should also willingly accept help and support from those around them and move forward together. If everyone remains calm and works together, it will be easier to find the path to recovery.

 

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Positive thoughts are much more beneficial for health.

Talking with others can also be helpful.

 

I am the only one isolated while fighting illness and pain.

They say that thoughts tend to get worse.