Cancers and motivation to live

Only scientific research can tell about the other specific reasons in addition to already known causes  for the growing number of cases in Kashmir, but to a naked eye reasons can be adulteration in milk, fertilizers and insecticides in vegetables and fruits to plastic water and juice bottles kept in scorching heat. The fine art of telling a person that he has Cancer has to be empathetic, meticulous, all cannot do it.

Unfortunately there is not even a single cancer hospital in Kashmir, which is sad seeing the rising number of cancer cases in JK. Many prestigious health institutes still have to use operation theatres of other departments which is shocking. Why we do not have a separate designated hospital for cancer patients is a mystery only successive governments can solve. According to research published by Miller S, Lo C, Gagliese L, et al.: Patterns of depression in cancer patients: an indirect test of gender-specific vulnerabilities to depression. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 46 (8): 767-74, in 2011 “Depression is a co-morbid, disabling syndrome that affects up to approximately 25% of cancer patients.This prevalence significantly exceeds the prevalence in the general population. However, most patients do not receive potentially effective treatments, and only 5% see a mental health professional.

In contrast to depression in the general population, depression in people with cancer is believed to affect men and women equally. Individuals and families who face a diagnosis of cancer experience varying levels of stress and emotional upset. Depression in patients with cancer not only affects the patients themselves, but also has a major negative impact on their families”

Many clinical investigations for detection of cancer have to be sent outside Kashmir, and take weeks to months. Thus prolonging the agony of patients and their family members.

Due to this arduous delay, many patients are misled by Doctor Google and believe in hearsay. Cancer drugs are labeled as “poison” by many people, calling them poison is the greatest DE-motivativating factor for patients. I could not believe well qualified persons using such terms.

All government hospitals should have a counsellor who can motivate patients of cancer as well as undergoing chemotherapy and surgery. Private hospitals who charge decently  should also employ a good counsellor who can help in explaining the diagnosis and life ahead. It is 2025 and still mental health counselors are not involved in treatment of cancer. Even a common man agrees that cancer patients will suffer from anxiety and depression.

Let us start thinking differently to help each other.