Acceptance, the Key of Facilitating Cancer Cure

Apart from the problems that cancer causes for patients and their families, it can also create severe psychological issues.

Anxiety is a response for the person who is diagnosed with cancer. This can be indicated in all stages of examination, diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of this psychological reaction are tremors, fast or irregular heartbeat, and extreme anxiety. To control and manage this distress, others should avoid asking numerous questions about the disease and its progress, since it would be so hard for patients and their relevance to be responsive about cancer treatment and its progress all the time.  Under these circumstances, psychologists should play a role by helping them to release their emotions and adapt to their new condition.

Two important factors in face with cancer is acceptance and adaptation. Acceptance means that the patient’s family shouldn’t be isolated from others. They have to consider that there are several families who are in the same condition and live with cancer-stricken children. You may ask yourself “why me?” Isn’t it better to ask yours self “why not me?” instead. It means that sickness could happen to everyone. If the person accepts illness, the concept of adaptation appears. Adaptation is one of the main aspects of mental health. If the patient and the family cannot achieve this, they cannot react appropriately to stressful situations. In fact, adaptation means changing lifestyle in accordance with the new conditions.

There are many psychological methods that can have positive effects on the quality of life of patients. One of the main factors affecting the quality of life is paying attention to physical, mental and social health all together. Therefore, the psychologist tries to facilitate the acceptance of the disease along with the patient and his family in this way, but the cooperation and willingness of the family and the patient to receive these support services are very important.