The Role Of Psychosocial Support During Childhood Cancer Care Journey
A diagnosis of childhood cancer often brings psychological challenges for the child and their family. The journey from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship is fraught with emotional, psychological, and social stressors that can affect the child's and family's well-being. Psychosocial support plays a critical role in this journey, addressing these multifaceted challenges and aiding in the overall care and recovery of young patients.
Understanding Childhood Cancer
Cancer in children is distinct from adult cancers in both its nature and impact. It not only disrupts the child’s physical health but also interferes with their developmental, emotional, and social milestones. According to the Indian Cancer Society, more than 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in India each year. During this difficult time, the family dynamics also undergo significant changes. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the focus naturally shifts to medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, the psychological and social impacts of cancer on a child and their family are profound. Children must first get an understanding of their condition, and its implications are often limited due to their age and cognitive development. This can lead to feelings of confusion, fear, and isolation. Moreover, prolonged treatments and hospital stays disrupt their normal life, leading to feelings of missing out on normal childhood experiences like going to school regularly, playing, and socialising with their peers and friends. Their parents and siblings also often struggle with fear, uncertainty, and the demands of caregiving.
Stages of the Psychological Distress
The journey of childhood cancer encompasses several stages, each carrying its own set of emotional and psychological challenges. The initial stage of diagnosis is often met with shock and disbelief. Both the child and their family grapple with understanding the diagnosis and its implications, a process that can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. Following this, the struggle to find the right treatment begins, which can be a prolonged and arduous journey, especially for underprivileged families living in remote towns and villages. Treatment typically involves surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, all of which can have significant side effects like hair loss, weight changes, and fatigue. These physical changes can profoundly impact the child's self-esteem and body image, adding to the emotional saddle.
As the journey continues, hospitalisation becomes a significant aspect, often leading to prolonged stays in the hospital in a big city. This can result in feelings of isolation and anxiety for the child, as their normal routines are disrupted, and they are separated from their peers and family. Parents go through their own journey of anxiety and emotional stress as they try to adjust to life in a new city while keeping up with their child’s treatment. Once the treatment phase concludes, the child may enter remission, which, while relieving, is also shadowed by the fear of cancer recurring. Regular follow-up appointments can serve as constant reminders of their ordeal, potentially causing anxiety. The final stage varies for survivors; adjusting to life post-cancer presents its own challenges, while for those where treatment is unsuccessful, the focus shifts to providing palliative care and supporting the family through the bereavement process. Each stage of this journey requires immense psychological support and understanding from caregivers and medical professionals.
Role of Psychosocial Support
Psychosocial support is essential at each stage of this journey.
This support can come in various forms:
· Psychological and Psychiatric Assistance: Psychological and psychiatric assistance includes counselling, psychiatric care, and cognitive-behavioural treatments tailored to the child's developmental level and comprehension.
· Educational Guidance: Providing information about the illness and its treatment that is suitable for the child's age helps decrease anxiety and any misunderstanding.
· Peer Support Groups: Engaging with other children who are facing similar health challenges, and their families can foster a sense of community and shared understanding.
· Comprehensive Family Support: Addressing the needs of the entire family is vital, as each member is impacted by the child's health condition. The family's role in a child's cancer journey is irreplaceable. Parents and siblings often need as much psychosocial support as the child with cancer. Family therapy can assist in meeting the emotional needs of siblings and aiding parents in handling their stress and caregiving duties.
· Therapeutic Play: For younger children, play therapy is an effective method for processing their experiences and expressing feelings.
· Creative Therapies (Art and Music): These therapeutic forms provide creative ways for children and their families to express themselves and manage their emotions.
· Spiritual and Religious Support: For certain families, finding comfort and strength in spirituality can prove to be beneficial and comforting.
Psychosocial support is not an adjunct but a core component of cancer care. It acknowledges the profound psychological challenges and supports the child and family in navigating these turbulent times. Integrating comprehensive psychosocial care into the treatment of childhood cancer can significantly improve the quality of life and overall wellness for these young cancer warriors and their families.
