Advancements in Cancer Care and Mental Health Awareness

According to the WHO theme of World Cancer Day 2024, the focus is on "Closing the Care Gap," aiming to address and rectify disparities in cancer care worldwide. The campaign emphasizes the collective effort needed to make tangible progress in reducing the global burden of cancer.

One significant step towards achieving a cancer-free world is by reducing the prevalence of cancer, akin to the successful strategies employed against once-dreaded diseases like Tuberculosis.

In Jammu and Kashmir, significant advancements have been made in diagnostic facilities and treatment options for various types of cancers. Additionally, awareness of the link between depression and chronic disorders like diabetes and hypertension is increasing. More individuals diagnosed with such conditions are seeking professional help to manage emotional distress effectively.

A notable study conducted by Dr. Arshad Hussain and his team sheds light on the prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in the region. The study revealed alarming rates of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among adult diabetic patients, underlining the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical ailments.

Furthermore, insights from a study published in the "International Journal Of Mental Health Systems" in 2023 highlighted the prevalence of mental health conditions among cancer patients. Despite the high incidence, mental health issues often go unaddressed due to shared symptoms with cancer, such as fatigue and appetite changes.

While addressing mental health concerns is imperative, it's essential to avoid blanket statements attributing depression to all cancer survivors and their families. Each individual's experience is unique, and care should be tailored accordingly.

The latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the global burden of cancer, with an estimated 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022 alone. Alarmingly, a majority of countries fail to adequately finance priority cancer and palliative care services, highlighting gaps in universal health coverage (UHC).

Transitioning from statistics to personal narratives, the daily struggles of cancer survivors offer profound insights. Their journey involves navigating emotional and physical pain, from diagnosis through treatment. The resilience and fortitude demonstrated by these survivors deserve not just sympathy but genuine understanding and support.

Family members of cancer survivors also face emotional exhaustion and require mental health support. In addition to genetic and cancer awareness, integrating mental health professionals into the care team is crucial. Surgeons and physicians play a vital role in treating the physical aspect of cancer, but psychiatrists and psychologists are equally essential in addressing the emotional toll of the disease.

By prioritizing holistic care that encompasses both physical and emotional well-being, we can enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors, fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for all.

CANCER  AND MENTAL HEALTH

Depression can be mild and temporary with periods of sadness, but can also be more severe and lasting. Depression makes it hard for a person to function and follow treatment plans. It happens in about 1 in 4 people with cancer, but it can be managed.

Other symptoms

Family and friends who notice signs and symptoms of anxiety  can encourage the person to get help. Most symptoms of anxiety  or depression can go along together. Other signs are loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed by the patent.

Sleep changes [less sleep to all day sleep]

Extreme tiredness and sad mood.

Most importantly Feelings of guilt, and helplessness

Anger outbursts even being abusive but then repenting the behavior.

Patients should understand that some of these changes can also be side effects of cancer treatment, and can linger after cancer treatment is over but better to consult a doctor.

Managing symptoms of emotional distress

Management  in people with cancer include counseling, medication, or a combination of both, and joining groups of others who also survived cancer.  Our heroes and heroines should talk about feelings and fears that you or family members have.

It's important to listen carefully to each other, decide together what you can do to support each other, and encourage, but do not force, one another to talk.

It is important that at least twice a year a family with cancer survivors  goes to some picnic spot, especially in a place like Kashmir. Nature is healing.

Family members must remember It’s OK to point out and disagree with self-defeating thoughts but in a kind and considerate way. They should  avoid telling the person to always smile or laugh, instead decide together what you can do to support each other.

Engage the person in activities they enjoy like cooking a joint meal or gardening.

Lastly I would request family members to take time to care for yourself then only you will be fit to help anyone including the brave heart in your family.

Changing Roles and Role reversals

Roles can change and reverse if one of cancer survivors is husband or wife or children. Everything changes, the family dynamics change.

Remember you may have been an active part of someone's life before, but perhaps now that they're a cancer patient, the way you support them is different. It may be in a way in which you haven't had much experience, or in a way that feels more intense than before.

It is quite common that caregivers find it hard to balance taking care of a loved one with job responsibilities.

Ask for Help, that is the most important mantra. But be prepared if some family members, relatives do Not Help

Taking Care of Yourself

Support groups offer various avenues for individuals to connect and find solace, whether it's through in-person meetings, phone calls, or online platforms. Engaging with a support group can provide invaluable insights into one's situation, offer coping strategies, and reinforce the comforting notion that no one is alone in their struggles. Within these groups, participants have the opportunity to share their feelings, exchange advice, and extend support to others facing similar challenges. While some prefer to actively participate, others may find solace in simply listening.

For those unable to access local support groups, online forums can be a valuable alternative. Many caregivers attest to the benefits of virtual support communities in navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one with cancer.

Celebrity survival stories, such as those of Yuvraj Singh, Manisha Koirala, Lisa Ray, Sonali Bendre, Director Anurag Basu, Mumtaz, and Kylie Minogue, underscore the critical role of medical treatment and motivation in overcoming cancer. Highlighting these narratives serves as a reminder that access to resources alone does not guarantee survival; rather, it is the combination of medical care, unwavering support from loved ones, guidance from counselors, and inner resilience that empowers individuals on their journey toward recovery.

In Jammu and Kashmir, it is imperative for media outlets to spotlight the stories of local cancer survivors who have triumphed over adversity and are leading fulfilling lives. By showcasing these inspiring accounts, we not only celebrate their resilience but also foster hope and motivation among others facing similar challenges. Ultimately, the key to effective cancer treatment lies not only in medical intervention but also in the unwavering support and determination of individuals and their communities.

Medical fraternity, society and cancer patients.

Compassion and care, and empathy in attitude is important in life not with patients only.  We acknowledge someone's sorrow, we sense how they feel, we try to understand how it affects them, yet with compassion we do not become emotionally involved. We are engaged yet detached. We are standing back and looking on with kindness. By showing compassion in this way, it allows us to be compassionate without suffering from compassion fatigue or emotional burnout. Compassion can mean simply kindness of words; it can mean patience, generosity, respect and understanding.