According to doctors, earlier the mental state of a cancer patient was not given much attention, but now it is a well-accepted fact that a sound mind helps in speedy recovery.
The theme of this year's World Cancer Day, observed on February 4, is "We can, I can". While major emphasis is laid on clinical management of cancer in India, health experts have now come to believe that psychological management of a patient is equally important to successfully beat the disease.
According to doctors, earlier the mental state of a cancer patient was not given much attention, but now it is a well-accepted fact that a sound mind helps in speedy recovery.
"The truth of suffering from cancer itself breaks the patient completely. While a few patients are brave enough to face and fight the disease, others require counselling. It is very difficult for many to come to terms with the deadly disease. This is where counselling or a psychiatrist's role comes in," said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, onco-surgeon at the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.
Suicides among cancer patients are a common problem seen by doctors across the globe. "Counselling is as important as medicine in cancer treatment. It helps build up self confidence in the patient, which further helps in better outcome of the ongoing treatment," added Dr Chaturvedi.
Psychiatrists believe half the battle against cancer is won the moment a patient gets positive counselling. "A cancer patient requires good emotional support system at home. Cancer treatment is a long procedure with numerous side effects that can weaken the patient mentally and physically. Regular counselling and good family support can help a patient conquer the disease," said Dr Sagar Mundada, psychiatrist at JJ Hospital.
Seeing the importance of counselling in cancer treatment, many hospitals have now introduced counsellors in their team and also organise support group sessions, where patients and their relatives are counselled in a group and also individually. The Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, one of the country's leading cancer hospitals, has seen almost a 60 per cent increase in the number of patients in its psychiatric unit in the last five years.
"Doctors are so busy diagnosing and treating the disease that the mental state of a patient is almost ignored. That is the time when our department plays a vital role. We emphasise on the psychological counselling and support to bring down the anxiety level in a patient and reduce the distress, which comes due to the diagnosis and treatment," said Dr Jayita Deodhar, psychiatrist with the Tata Memorial Hospital.
Jyoti Nagda-Mehta, a counsellor who works with the oncology department of PD Hinduja hospital, said most cancer patients become anxious regarding the number of years they will survive. "Most patients are worried about how long they will live. This is followed by financial problems. Unlike earlier days, very few are concerned about the side effects of cancer. In Hinduja hospital, every patient undergoing chemotherapy has to compulsorily undergo counselling," said Nagda.
According to doctors, psychological support may be needed for any stage in the cancer journey, from screening to palliation, with a particular need at crisis points.
Dr Harish Shetty, psychiatrist at the Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, pointed out that studies done abroad show that 25 per cent of the cancer patients may suffer from depression at some stage of their journey. "Studies show that proper counselling helps in improving a patient's compliance with the treatment. Due to non-compliance, they develop poorer pain control," said Dr Shetty. He added that studies have also shown that some types of cancer, such as breast, lung, pancreas, head and neck, are associated more with depression.
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