The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, social and psychological well-being, not merely the absence of disease or disability. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, health or illness is not just a physical condition. In case of illness, physical, psychological and social evaluation of the person is very important in the diagnosis and, of course, treatment phase of the disease.
Cancer is one of the most important health problems of the 21st century. In addition to physical difficulties, cancer disease can have strong psychological effects on patients' social lives and on patients, and can affect the course of the disease, compliance with and response to treatment. Both during the diagnosis phase of the disease and during the treatment process, it can cause changes in the patient's self-esteem, body perception, social life, quality of life, functioning of life, relationships with family and environment, and personal and social roles. Having a life-threatening disease can cause psychological strain as a factor that negatively affects the adaptation of individuals. Because today, cancer is still equated with despair, unbearable pain, fear and death. However, advances in medical diagnosis and treatment and a holistic perspective on the disease can prevent many negativities. In cancer treatment, the aim is to increase the treatment response through team approach, evaluation and follow-up of patients in all aspects. With this understanding, the psychological aspect of Cancer constitutes one of the most important pillars of this team.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS THAT CANCER PATIENTS MAY EXPERIENCE
“If those before you succeeded, you can too.”
Diagnosis Stage
The diagnosis stage is one of the situations that creates the most anxiety and fear. In the first stage, experiencing feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness and crying spells are natural and extremely human reactions to some extent. “Why did this happen to me?”, “I was so sad, I was sensitive, I was always thoughtful, this is what happened”, “I am being punished”, these and similar thoughts often negatively affect the person emotionally and make him/her feel sad. It does not fully reflect reality. Many times, the way we think and our perceptions affect how we feel.
Hope is the Beginning of Everything
Although it is very difficult to accept a disease diagnosis, in medicine and Developments in technology have solved many things that previously seemed impossible.
Therefore, before treatment, know that everything necessary to solve the disease will be done by your physician and other healthcare personnel, and do not lose hope that you will recover. Because many others have achieved this before you.
Treatment Phase
During the treatment phase, you may have thoughts about your appearance or that you will be a burden to your family; You may experience anxiety and sadness, and sometimes frustration, reluctance and anger. However, please remember, you will return to your old self at the end of the treatment process. During this period, try to continue your daily life and hobbies as much as possible. Express your feelings and thoughts.
Post-Treatment Process
In the post-treatment period, especially during the control phase, you may experience anxiety from time to time and Will my disease recur again? Will I ever be the same again? Please know that you may experience thoughts such as these, but these thoughts serve no purpose other than occupying your mind.
A Few Suggestions
Diagnosis, treatment phase and treatment. Then consider the following:
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You are never alone! Remember that your family, friends and treatment team are always with you.
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Never give up on the things that bring you joy and smile and always keep them with you.
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Being strong does not mean suppressing emotions. Express your feelings, thoughts, needs.
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Do not hesitate to get psychological support when necessary. Psychological support is often a need.
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Try to continue your hobbies and get involved in daily life as much as possible.
Emotion That May Be Experienced During the Diagnosis Stage
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Denial
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Fear
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Anger
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Sadness
Thoughts That May Be Experienced During the Diagnosis:
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I'm being punished
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Why did this happen to me?
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It's because I was under a lot of stress.
Emotions that may be experienced during the treatment phase:
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Sadness
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Anxiety
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Guilt
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Anger
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Disappointment
Thoughts That May Be Experienced During the Treatment Phase:
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I will be a burden to my family
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I will not be able to recover
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My appearance will be bad
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My children and my wife will be very upset
Feelings that may be experienced after treatment:
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Anxiety
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Fear
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Sadness
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Loneliness
Thoughts That May Be Experienced After Treatment:
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I will not be the same as before
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My disease will recur
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Nobody values me anymore
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RELATIVES OF CANCER PATIENTS
What You and Your Patient May Experience During the Examination and Diagnosis Phase
It is natural for you and your patient to experience anxiety, fear and tension to some extent during the examination and diagnosis phase. You can see this phase as a great period for you to live. However, the realistic attitude you will adopt at this stage will affect your morale and motivation.
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Do not make assumptions based on uncertain situations, but do not hesitate to ask your doctor anything that is on your mind
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In this process, allow your patient to express the thoughts and feelings he experiences, and support him to express if necessary.
Diagnosis, Treatment Phase and Treatment. Aftermath
Surprise, Shock, Denial and Sadness
After the definitive diagnosis is made, both you and your patient will experience shock and confusion about the situation. , then the anxious expectation regarding the treatment process You may experience sadness. It is natural for our psychological structure to react like this in order to adapt to important changes that occur in life.
Support and Assistance are Important
During the treatment period, your patient may experience depression, hopelessness, anxiety and may experience emotions such as anger and reflect them violently. Please do not take these feelings and their expressions personally. You may need to provide support to your patient, who may need physical support, at home or outside the home.
“Remember! Being strong does not mean suppressing emotions. Encourage your patient to express his feelings.”
Do not hesitate to get psychological support when necessary
Caring for a cancer patient, emotional and physical support, can be important and emotionally tiring. If you feel exhausted, be sure to get psychological support.
Life After Treatment
With the great relief after the treatment, you and your patient may experience slight anxiety, especially during the control stages. “Can we go back to the beginning again?” “Will the disease relapse?” You may have some doubts and concerns, such as these, but despite these, turning to activities that both you and your patient enjoy doing in daily life and that make you happy will help you get away from these concerns.
Your patient, who received intense emotional support at the end of the Diagnosis and Treatment phase, may have a perception that this support is not the same after the treatment and a feeling of loneliness. He may reproach you or other people around him about this, or he may withdraw completely. You may need to be careful about this issue, too.
Every crisis creates an opportunity
Cancer diagnosis is an important life event and period, both physically and psychologically. In other words, it is a crisis. Every crisis contains an opportunity. Your emotions and behaviors during this process will strengthen your commitment to each other.
Psycho-oncology Unit
The main goal of the Psycho-oncology unit is the diagnosis, treatment stages and treatment of patients. Our aim is to support patients with emotional, behavioral problems and various stress factors that they may experience in the post-operative period. medical treatment In addition to psychological counseling, it is also aimed to increase compliance with treatment and contribute to the psychological well-being of patients.
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