A cancer diagnosis brings profound distress, affecting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Coping with cancer hinges on various factors, such as adapting over time. These factors include nurturing hope and optimism, embracing acceptance, and engaging in activities that foster joy and happiness.
Addressing Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being
Beyond its physical implications, cancer profoundly affects mental health, financial stability, professional life, social interactions, and spiritual aspects. Those diagnosed with cancer grapple with newfound fears related to declining health, loss of autonomy, mortality concerns, and the ripple effects on their loved ones.
Cancer affects mental well-being through two significant avenues. Firstly, the physiological effects, including hormonal fluctuations, restricted mobility, and chronic pain, can profoundly influence dopamine levels, commonly known as the "happy hormone." The tumour's size and location, treatment side effects, and chronic pain alter the balance between dopamine and cortisol (the stress hormone), leading to increased anxiety, restlessness, sadness, depression, or a combination of these emotions. It is crucial to educate cancer patients about these potential effects. This will enable them to recognise the connection between certain treatments, pain, and their emotional state.
This will enable them to gain perspective and hope for mood improvement once treatment concludes.
Financially, cancer patients face significant burdens due to medical expenses and ongoing costs such as food, housing, utilities, and transportation. Many cancer patients are unable to sustain employment due to intensive treatments and cognitive changes that hinder their ability to perform work-related tasks effectively.
Moreover, cancer patients may experience various mental and emotional challenges, including anger towards the disease's onset, depression, anxiety, body image issues arising from treatment-related changes in appearance, guilt regarding the impact on loved ones, a sense of losing control as dependence on others increases, and the fear of an uncertain future shaped by their diagnosis.
Empowering Approaches to Navigate Cancer
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment, and managing post-treatment effects can be highly challenging and stressful. However, implementing various coping strategies can help individuals approach this serious health issue with a resilient mindset and a positive outlook.
Emotional Expression and Processing
Research has shown that individuals who express and process their emotions tend to adjust more positively to their cancer journey. This can be achieved through professional counselling sessions or by confiding in trusted friends and family members.
Cultivating Optimism and Hope
Maintaining optimism and hope is essential for emotional well-being following a cancer diagnosis. Here are six strategies to foster and sustain optimism:
Building and nurturing meaningful relationships
Cultivating a positive mindset
Practising mindfulness and living in the present moment
Celebrating personal achievements, no matter how small
Exploring and nurturing spiritual connections
Embracing a sense of anticipation for survival and recovery
Be Realistic
While maintaining hope and optimism, it's also necessary to be realistic about your prognosis. For advanced cancer cases, consider arranging personal care services to support yourself and lessen the burden on caregivers. Creating legal documents like a power of attorney for property and personal care, as well as a will, can provide peace of mind.
Focus on Problem-Solving
Taking a proactive approach in dealing with diagnosis and treatment has been shown to support effective coping. Find practical solutions for logistical challenges, such as transportation to medical appointments, keeping track of schedules, bringing a support person to take notes, and asking questions to better understand your diagnosis and prognosis.
Leverage Social Support
Reach out to friends and family during this difficult time to receive the support you need. Building resilience and enhancing the quality of life often depends on your social network. Clearly communicate your needs and preferences, and maintain a positive relationship with your healthcare providers, including oncologists and specialists.
Engage in Hobbies
Maintaining involvement in work and hobbies can contribute to a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfilment. Continuing to participate in activities that bring you pleasure, growth, and personal development helps maintain self-efficacy and self-esteem.
Seek Strength in Religion and Spirituality
Relying on religious or spiritual practices can provide comfort and guidance during challenging times. Finding purpose and meaning through adversity can foster personal growth.
Join Peer Support and Group Counselling
Accessing peer support or group counselling allows you to learn from others with similar experiences. Gathering insights and strategies from individuals who understand your journey can be invaluable. It's also an opportunity to share your fears, challenges, and emotions with those who truly comprehend your situation.
Set Goals
Establish feasible short-term and long-term goals to maintain a sense of normalcy and motivation. Having something to look forward to, no matter how small can uplift and encourage you during tough times. Planning daily tasks and adjusting your approach based on energy levels and symptoms also promotes focus and adaptability.
Find Distractions
Engaging in activities that divert your attention from your condition can provide much-needed mental respite. Participate in social interactions, watch entertaining shows or movies, read books, and pursue activities that bring joy and meaning to your life.
Seek Therapeutic Support
Working with a therapist offers the benefit of independent, objective guidance focused solely on your well-being. A therapist can provide support, address concerns, fears, and stressors, and offer an outlet for sharing information without burdening family and friends.
Seeking Support from a Mental Health Professional
It is essential to seek mental health support from a therapist when you find that you are struggling to cope with your everyday life. If you experience depression symptoms or find it challenging to maintain your daily routines, including work, family, and social activities, reaching out for professional help is crucial. You can consult your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Alternatively, you can start your search for a virtual counsellor in your area by using online directories specifically tailored to mental health services. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, planning self-harm, or feel at risk of harm, it is crucial to seek immediate help or go to the nearest emergency room. For urgent non-emergency support, contact a crisis phone line in your country or province via call or text.
Available Support for Dealing with Cancer
There are various types of help available to help you navigate cancer challenges:
Counselling Services
Counselling can improve your emotional well-being, enhance your quality of life, and foster resilience. Counselling can be conducted individually, as a couple, with family members, or in a group setting. The answer varies based on individual needs and preferences. Exploring multiple approaches simultaneously is also an option for some individuals.
Peer Support
Engaging in peer support can be immensely valuable. Hearing first-hand experiences from others who have faced similar types and stages of cancer can offer practical insights and support. Learning from their successes and challenges can provide valuable guidance and a sense of community.
Meaning Therapy
Meaning therapy is a therapeutic approach that may be beneficial for cancer patients. It involves reflecting on your intrinsic value and worth, maintaining a present and future-oriented mindset, and embracing a positive outlook. This therapy helps you develop a sense of purpose and fulfilment by focusing on your achievements, current situation, and future aspirations. It also includes techniques such as positive self-statements, gratitude practice, mindfulness, and envisioning how your future ideal self would approach challenges step by step.
Remember, it's important to explore and find support that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Reach out to healthcare professionals, support organisations, or online resources to access the help and guidance you require.
Supporting a Loved One Coping with Cancer
When it comes to helping a loved one cope with cancer, there are several helpful ways you can provide support. Here are some practical suggestions to remember.
Be non-judgmental and Offer Assistance
Approach the situation with empathy and avoid judgement. Offer practical help with tasks such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, or providing transportation to appointments. Respect their autonomy and discuss community resources if they are open to exploring them.
Actively Listen and Validate
Create a safe space for your loved one to express their feelings, even if those emotions make you uncomfortable. Practice active listening by being fully present, avoiding interruptions, and using non-verbal cues to show you are genuinely attentive and empathetic.
Gather Information and Provide Resources
Educate yourself about your loved one's diagnosis to gain a better understanding of their journey. Research available resources such as financial assistance programs or support groups that could benefit them.
Offer Concrete Assistance
Take the initiative in providing concrete help, even if they don't explicitly ask for it. Take care of practical tasks like grocery shopping, bill payment, or household chores to alleviate their burdens.
Accompany Them to Healthcare Appointments
Offer to accompany your loved one to medical appointments to provide emotional support, be a companion, and help take notes during discussions with healthcare professionals.
Provide Distraction and Humor
Encourage activities and conversations that offer a break from cancer-related matters. Engage in enjoyable and light-hearted experiences together to remind them of life beyond diagnosis.
Express Love and Care
Regularly communicate your love and care for your loved one. Letting them know that you are there for them and available whenever they need support can provide immense comfort.
Remember, it is essential to respect their independence and capability. Assist where needed, but also encourage their independence in areas where they can manage on their own and find motivation. Encourage them to take the lead in situations where they feel capable and interested.
Additionally, caregivers must prioritise their own well-being. Take care of yourself by maintaining healthy eating and sleeping habits, addressing your own mental health needs, and seeking support from your own social network. Your own stability and self-care will enable you to provide the best possible support to your loved one.
Concluding Remarks on Coping With Cancer
A cancer diagnosis emphasises the preciousness of time. It is crucial for cancer patients to have realistic expectations regarding the impact of treatments on their well-being while ensuring they receive the most effective treatment for their specific cancer-causing mutations. By doing so, individuals can strive to make the most informed decisions and optimise their journey towards recovery.