Receiving the diagnosis of cancer can trigger an emotional imbalance both in the patient and in his family, because the word “ cancer ” is loaded with many stigmas, among them, its relationship with death.
It is known that both values, life history and previous knowledge can interfere in the way of dealing with the disease, its acceptance or denial.
In today’s article we will talk about psychological support in the fight against cancer.
Good reading!
The diagnosis
It is recommended that the psychologist, whether clinical or hospital, begin to develop their follow-up work from the moment the cancer diagnosis is confirmed.
Receiving this diagnosis is not easy at all, normally the patient is already vulnerable from the moment the possibility of the existence of cancer is not confirmed.
mixed feelings
At that moment, the patient and his family experience situations related to anguish, anxiety and fear. A mourning, of the life that was known, begins.
The psychologist is that professional who, in the face of the suffering of the cancer patient, will develop and create means to minimize all the anguish, suffering, hopelessness, psychological and emotional imbalances that cancer treatments cause, both in the lives of patients and in the lives of their families. .
It is necessary for the psychologist to develop a differentiated look, that tries to seek the subjectivity of the patient and is not restricted to the reflections of the disease and the consequences of side effects on the individual’s body; but that it welcomes him as a whole, that is, treats him more humanely, respecting his values, desires and dignity.
illness from cancer
This look is in line with the principles of the World Health Organization (WHO, 1996) which defines “health” not only as the absence of disease, but as the situation of perfect physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease. .
Illness from cancer is not simply a biological issue, it demands a holistic and systemic view, it is necessary to consider the psyche, the subjectivity, the social context.
Welcoming should be carried out in a humanized way so that the patient feels fully supported and is able to regain balance.
cancer treatment
During the oncological treatment process, it is normal for the patient to begin to raise several doubts and questions. be built.
Through speech, the patient is offered the possibility of building a more active position towards his treatment, in addition to better coping with the disease.
The emotional distress associated with the disease should not be ignored, as it can significantly affect the course of treatment.
Finally, the role of the psychologist will be to offer clinical listening in an ethical manner and prioritizing subjectivity, seeking to ensure comprehensive and humanized assistance, with the aim of achieving an improvement in the psychic condition, minimizing the impacts suffered during the illness.
