As a cancer survivor, Ginette has also been a primary caregiver for a stage 4 cancer patient and has worked as a helping professional for cancer patients and their families. She has firsthand understanding of the profound impact cancer can have on the patients and their loved ones.
It was with thorough insights from personal and professional experiences that Ginette pursued specialised knowledge in the field of psychosocial-oncology. Psycho-oncology focuses on the psychological, social, and behavioural aspects of cancer for patients and their families. This field examines how cancer and its treatment can impact a person’s mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Psycho-oncology aims to understand the complex interplay between the emotional, social, and physical experiences of those affected by cancer.
Ginette continues to provide individualised psychological services to cancer patients, addressing areas such as:
- Emotions and cancer
- Self-image and role-identity shifts
- Preparing to return to work after treatment
- Effective communication between patients and families
- Navigating end-of-life considerations
Additionally, Ginette has collaborated with organisations to facilitate emotional support groups, workshops, and educational talks for cancer patients and their families on these critical psychosocial topics.
What is the relationship between Cancer and Psychological Well-being?
A cancer diagnosis is an immensely distressing event for both the patients and their loved ones. Over the course of treatment, they may experience a range of complicated emotions, including sadness, disappointment, anger and anxiety.
The inherent uncertainty that comes with a cancer prognosis can be particularly challenging. Research has shown that cancer patients exhibit higher rates of anxiety compared to the general population, especially in the initial phase following diagnosis (Baxter et al., 2014). Depression is also a common mental health issue associated with cancer.
If patients and their families do not receive proper support and treatment for emotional distress and psychological stress, it can have significant ramifications. Prolonged anxiety and depression not only impair the quality of life and interpersonal relationships, but they can also have adverse effects on the cancer treatment process (Shulamith, 2019).
Addressing the psychological well-being of cancer patients is therefore crucial in terms of optimising their overall health and care. Providing timely access to mental health resources and coping strategies is an essential component of comprehensive cancer treatment.
Why is psychological counselling an important support for cancer patients & their family?
Throughout the journey of cancer recovery, the patients and their loved ones confront an array of emotional challenges at various stages of diagnosis and treatment. They may grapple with worries about treatment efficacy, the risk of recurrence, and the profound changes to the patient’s role, independence, and physical appearance.
If left unaddressed, these immense stress and emotional challenges can present significant impediments to the quality of life and even the treatment process itself.
Psychological counselling offers a tailored approach to address these unique challenges. The goals of counselling vary depending on individual circumstances and needs, such as:
- Alleviate emotional distress
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Enhance relationships
- Rebuild self-confidence and a positive self-image
- Navigate the grieving process
- Practise relaxation techniques, pain management strategies
- Improve sleep quality
Psychological support is not only crucial for the patients, but also for their family members and caregivers. Counselling equips them with practicable tools in maintaining their mental well-being, and guides them in nurturing and sustaining a positive outlook during this profoundly difficult time.
By bringing to the fore and addressing the psychological needs of both the patient and their support network, counselling plays a vital role in delivering comprehensive, holistic cancer care. It is an essential complement to the medical treatment process.
References:
Baxter, A.J., Vos, T., Scott, K.M., Ferrari, A.J., & Whiteford, H.A. (2014). The global burden of anxiety disorders in 2010. Psychological Medicine, 44(11), 2363–2374.
Shulamith, K. (2019). Psycho-oncology for the clinician the patient behind the disease. Switzerland: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-06126-5