The Psychosocial Needs of Cancer Patients: 7 Ways to Support People Who are Living with Cancer

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Anyone who’s been close to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer will know how difficult the experience can be. As a result of the disease, someone may feel anxious and worried about their future. They may find it hard to face life alone for extended periods of time. Cancer patients also have other emotional needs that need to be met throughout their recovery process. If you are caring for someone who has cancer, you can support them by addressing these needs and helping them heal from the experience. This article explores some of the psychosocial needs of people who have been diagnosed with cancer. You can read on to learn more about the following topics:

Normal Development

Cancer changes children’s lives in many different ways. For example, children and teens with cancer may need extra time to recover from their illness and may have reduced athletic abilities as a result of their diagnosis. They may also need extra help and support to overcome the emotional trauma of losing a loved one or to cope with the stress of medical treatment. If you are caring for someone who has cancer, you can help them manage these changes in their life by making sure they have access to support groups, counseling services, and other resources to help them process their experience.

Re-integration and re-building self-esteem

Many people with cancer experience a loss of confidence due to their diagnosis and treatment. While recovering, they may need support to build confidence and self-esteem again. You can help this process by offering reassurance when they feel down and by highlighting their good qualities and achievements. Helping people with cancer rebuild their self-esteem is especially important if they have experienced a loss of confidence as a result of their diagnosis.

Relieving Anxiety and Stress

Since people who have cancer experience anxiety and stress due to medical treatment, it’s especially important for caring family members to address this need. You can help people with cancer relieve this stress by offering to drive them to medical appointments if you are able and by helping them organize their schedules. You can also offer to accompany them on medical errands or to run errands for them. If you are caring for someone with cancer, you can reduce your own stress by focusing on the needs of the person you are helping.

Encouraging Physical Activity and a Healthy Diet

People who have been diagnosed with cancer are at risk of developing eating disorders and unhealthy habits. If you are caring for someone who has cancer, you can encourage healthy habits by providing healthy food options and snacks, offering to drive them to the grocery store, and organizing meal preparation so that the person with cancer has some control over what they eat. You can also encourage physical activity by providing an accessible space where the person with cancer can exercise safely.

Maintaining Connections with Family and Friends

Cancer patients often experience a sense of isolation. During this time, you can help them maintain connections with family and friends by sending cards, flowers, and other gifts. You can also schedule visits with friends and family members while the person with cancer is feeling better. If the person with cancer is currently facing a lengthy period of isolation, you can consider visiting them in their home.

Conclusion

Cancer is a difficult experience for everyone involved. While it can be difficult to experience, it can also be a valuable life lesson. People who have been diagnosed with cancer can use the experience to better understand themselves and their relationships. They can also use the experience to develop resilience and strength by learning to live with uncertainty and to accept help from others. During this time, you can help people with cancer regain control of their lives by providing support, engaging in healthy coping strategies, and addressing their psychosocial needs. You can also maintain strong connections with family and friends, and you can continue to live your life as normally as possible.