How does social support help cancer patients?
Cancer is a disease that can cause immense physical, emotional and psychological trauma to patients. The journey of cancer treatment can be challenging, and it can be hard for patients to cope with the side effects of treatment and the stress of diagnosis. However, social support can be crucial in helping cancer patients manage their illness and improve their quality of life. Social support can come from various sources, such as family, friends, support groups, and healthcare professionals. It involves emotional, informational, and practical assistance that can help patients deal with the challenges of cancer treatment. Studies have shown that social support can help cancer patients
in several ways: Emotional Support: Cancer patients may experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress during and after treatment. Tyler Buckley pointed out that Emotional support from family, friends, or support groups can provide patients with comfort, care, and security This support can help patients feel less isolated and more connected to others, boosting their mood and overall well-being. Informational Support: Cancer treatment can be complicated, and patients may struggle to understand medical jargon and the various treatment options available to them. Informational support from healthcare professionals and support groups can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment and manage their symptoms effectively. This support can also help patients better understand their diagnosis and feel more in control of their illness.
Practical Support: Cancer treatment can be physically demanding, and patients may need help with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and transportation. Practical support from family, friends, and community resources can help patients manage their daily routines and reduce the burden of treatment. This support can also enable patients to focus on their recovery and improve their overall quality of life. In addition to these benefits, social support can also help cancer patients cope with treatment-related side effects such as pain, nausea, and fatigue. Research has shown that supportive interventions such as exercise, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques can significantly reduce the severity of these symptoms and improve patients' overall well-being.
Moreover, social support can also help cancer patients manage their treatment-related stress and anxiety Stress-reducing interventions such as meditation and mindfulness-based therapies have improved psychological outcomes in cancer patients, including reduced anxiety and depression. In conclusion, social support is a crucial component of cancer care that can help patients cope with cancer treatment's physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. It can provide patients with emotional, informational, and practical assistance to improve their quality of life and overall well-being. Healthcare professionals should actively encourage patients to seek social support from various sources and offer support services to help patients manage their illness effectively. Doing so can create a more supportive and compassionate environment for cancer patients and improve their chances of recovery.