Challenges faced by cancer patients:

“Challenges faced by cancer patients” vary from person to person and depend on factors such as age, financial stability, family support, roles and responsibilities, mindset, and the ability to handle situations. However, there are common challenges that all oncology patients suffer.

“Cancer patients face the following challenges in their lives:”

Fear of life and death: (Challenges faced by cancer patients)

When a doctor first diagnoses a patient with cancer, the patient often feels a sense of shock and fear, thinking that it might be the end of their life, and becomes hopeless about their life.

The first word that comes to their mind is death. However, this is just a perception, as many patients fight cancer with strong willpower and remain positive throughout their journey. Willpower plays a crucial role in recovering from not only cancer but also other chronic illnesses.

Anxiety and depression:(Challenges faced by cancer patients)

Anxiety and depression are major issues for patients suffering from cancer. Personal circumstances can trigger anxiety – for example, a young woman with small children may experience more anxiety than a woman with older children. Furthermore, students who are oriented toward their careers become emotionally disturbed and can not pay attention to their studies when they are diagnosed with cancer.

Financial instability can also contribute to anxiety. Therefore, anxiety levels vary from patient to patient depending on their situations. Family support and peer support can play a crucial role in effectively managing depression and anxiety.

Perception of their body image:

Many cancer patients are most fearful of treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy due to the potential side effects that can significantly change their body image. These side effects may include alopecia, amputation, mastectomy, skin changes, and weight loss or gain. While some of these changes may be temporary and reversible after treatment, they can still cause a great deal of stress and depression for the patient.

Sensitive to change in role:(Challenges faced by cancer patients)

As cancer is a disease that takes time to recover, it needs continuous treatment and demands self-care and care from others. People working long hours in offices or caring for family, such as children, often face pressure to manage their time effectively.

Moreover, people responsible for running businesses can risk losing their jobs and responsibilities due to deteriorated conditions. In such a condition, other people should support the patient morally and help with their office tasks so, the person would feel relaxed and be able to get his/her treatment and recover from the illness soon without distress.

Financial Burden/Crisis:

Cancer treatment is costly, requiring costly chemotherapeutic drugs, blood transfusions, and long hospital stays, often in intensive care due to severe septic shocks and other complications such as excessive bleeding or breathing issues.

Patients in countries without health insurance companies face significant financial burdens. Families, especially those supporting children, suffer greatly, and many patients cannot afford to start or complete their treatment.

Physical weakness and mental exhaustion:

A cancer patient experiences physical weakness due to the side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and a weakened immune system.

These factors contribute to both physical weakness and mental exhaustion. Moreover, the support of family and friends is crucial for helping patients through this difficult time.

Fear of Separation:(Challenges faced by cancer patients)

The fear of being separated from loved ones can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. For married women diagnosed with cancer, the inability to care for their children during treatment or in the later stages of the illness can be a source of significant distress. Additionally, in cases where the marital bond is weak, these women may also experience fear of divorce and separation from their spouses.

Side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy:

 Side effects of cancer treatment are painful and disturbing, such as nausea, vomiting, loose stools, skin bruising and bleeding due to low platelets, feeling lethargic due to low hemoglobin, fever due to low white cell count, and compromised immunity. Furthermore, frequent hospital admissions make the patient frustrated and exhausted.

However, the patient suffers from so many challenges and hurdles while going through the cancer treatment journey. Moreover, the patient must be supported morally to ease their journey with cancer.