What is the psychosocial impact of cancer?
A cancer diagnosis can affect the emotional health of patients, families, and caregivers. Common feelings during this life-changing experience include anxiety, distress, and depression. Roles at home, school, and work can be affected. It’s important to recognize these changes and get help when needed.
What are the psychosocial impacts of cancer on a child and their family?
➢ Children with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer may experience: severe anxiety, inhibited and withdrawn behavior, behavior problems, excessive somatic complaints, intense stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), academic difficulties and surrounding frustration, peer relationship difficulties, and …
What is the prevalence of psychosocial issues among patients with cancer?
In one U.S. comprehensive cancer center’s study of nearly 4,500 patients aged 19 and older, the prevalence of significant psychological distress ranged from 29 to 43 percent for patients with the 14 most common types of cancer7 (Zabora et al., 2001).
What does a cancer pain feel like?
Cancer pain can be described as dull aching, pressure, burning, or tingling. The type of pain often gives clues about the sources of the pain. For example, pain caused by damage to nerves is usually described as burning or tingling, whereas pain affecting internal organs is often described as a sensation of pressure.
Why are cancer patients so mean?
Cancer patients simply want to be their old selves, Spiegel says, so they often can fail to make their new needs clear to their loved ones and caregivers, which can lead to frustration and anger.
How does cancer affect siblings?
Many siblings respond to a cancer diagnosis with compassion, love and care. Though negative changes can occur, parents often see more positive changes, from a stronger sibling bond to empathy and enhanced self-esteem. Families learn to come together during a crisis, strengthening the family relationship.
Is childhood cancer a trauma?
The fact that childhood cancer is a stressful and potentially traumatic experience for children and their families is not surprising; families are faced with the news of a life-threatening disease and a ‘new normal’ that consists of frequent hospital visits and hospitalizations, painful and invasive treatments, health …
What is psychosocial support for cancer patients?
Psychosocial care is a whole-person approach to cancer care, addressing the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and functional aspects of the patient journey with an interdisciplinary team of care and service providers.