When a patient is told that he/she is suffering from cancer,it may come as a shock and wreak havoc in the patient's life and result in an emotional upheaval. There are fears of death,rejection in relationships,inability to join the same job again and risks of recurrence of the disease. What is worse,the emphasis is mostly on treating the disease while the psychological ramifications are mostly ignored. This was stated by Prof Ian Olver,medical oncologist and CEO of the Cancer Council Australia. He said psychological counseling should be an integral part of the treatment which has already been in practice in Australia for the last three years now. "It is equally important to treat the patient for the psychological risks involved with the disease along with the disease," he stressed. "From the moment a patient discovers he or she has cancer to the time when they are undergoing treatment and to the stage where they have survived,they go through a lot of emotional trauma. While the doctors are treating the patient,it is essential the patient is psychotically prepared to know the disease and its extent,the possible treatments available and the risks involved," said Prof Olver. "For example,a patient of breast cancer can be very upset about the surgery to get rid of the ailment. In case she has to sacrifice her symbol of womanhood,it may rip her life apart. She has fears of losing out on the earlier relationship or forming any new relationships," he adds. "Sadly,we mostly concentrate on the treatment of the disease and forget about the psychological part of the treatment when it comes to diseases like cancer. But now there is a marked shift in the way a patient of cancer is treated. Hopefully,it will be part of the treatment in India too." Speaking about his talk on psycho oncology on the sidelines of the conference on 'Cancer Care: Chemotherapy,communication,research and beyond' at Christian Medical College and Hospital,he said,"About half the patients of cancer have anxiety,depression when they learn they are suffering from cancer." He stressed on building a bond of trust with the patient. Asked whether it is necessary to hide the extent of the disease from a patient sometimes,he said,"We prefer to make the patients and their kin aware of the disease. A sizeable chunk is lucky enough to survive and,therefore,it is important to give them confidence and hope to undergo treatment with courage,to lead a normal life after they have survived,or even in cases there is no hope. "Whatever the extent of the disease,it is necessary to concentrate on the non-cancer part of the treatment and emotional care of the patient."
