Introduction
Cancer is a terrible disease that not only destroys the body of a human but also inflicts severe emotional damage. This illness completely changes the life of an individual and challenges him or her with multiple problems. When persons are diagnosed with cancer, they and their families are exposed to serious emotional stress and a financial burden, and providing the necessary help and support to such people is essential.
Context
The psychological component plays a vital role in the process of cancer treatment. Many researchers have studied the relationship between the emotional condition and health outcomes among patients, showing its vital importance. The financial aspect is another critical element that needs to be taken into account. Due to their substantial effect on survival rates and the wellbeing of the patients, these aspects of treatment need to be properly attended to.
1st Con-Point
Cancer has a major effect on patients and their families, creating a financial burden. Research has shown that the high cost of treatment is a predictor of compromised quality of life among patients who have the disease (Fenn et al., 2014). This problem is especially relevant for low-income individuals, who do not always have good insurance coverage. For such people, the necessity to pay for expensive care and medication might result in personal bankruptcy, leaving a family that is already challenged with the illness of its member unprotected in the face of the problem. Understanding this issue and providing the necessary support for cancer patients, including government subsidies for medicine and improvement of coverage for individuals with low socioeconomic status is necessary to alleviate this financial burden.
2nd Con-Point
Cancer might cause serious emotional damage for a person who has it, but it is also critical to understand that the psychological conditions of the patient’s family members are also seriously affected by the situation. Oftentimes relatives of individuals with cancer cannot overcome the emotional stress of knowing about the illness of a close one and become prone to anxiety and depression (Impact of cancer, n.d). This situation contributes to the problem, because depressed family members are not only incapable of providing the necessary help and support for the patient, but also impact the person’s state negatively. Such individuals need help themselves, and it can be provided via concealing. Thus, family members have a significant influence on the emotional state of patients, and it is important to work with them in order to ensure the best possible health outcomes for individuals with cancer.
3rd Con-Point
In addition to that, having a supportive network of friends, colleagues, and the community is essential for cancer patients. When people receive news about their serious disease, they are often shocked and may close themselves from the world (The effects of cancer on social and emotional wellbeing, 2015). Losing contact with other people, such individuals become isolated and feel that they have to face their catastrophe alone. Incapable of dealing with such an emotional burden such patients turn to drugs and alcohol, which only worsens their situation. As a result, both the patient and their family need emotional support from one another and the community to fight the disease. Professional help and concealing together with encouragements from friends and colleagues might have a big positive impact on the situation.
Conclusion
Being diagnosed with cancer leaves a person emotionally vulnerable and might lead to serious emotional stress, losing hope, and depression. Together with the financial burden associated with paying for medical treatment, it creates a major challenge for the ill individual and his or her family. Providing appropriate support is necessary to encourage patients and help them to fight the disease, maximizing the chances for positive health outcomes.
References
Cancer Institute NSW (2015). The effects of cancer on social and emotional wellbeing. Web.
Impact of cancer on family, friends and children. Web.
Fenn, K. M., Evans, S. B., McCorkle, R., DiGiovanna, M. P., Pusztai, L., Sanft, T., & Abu-Khalaf, M. (2014). Impact of the financial burden of cancer on survivors’ quality of life. Journal of Oncology Practice, 10(5), 332-338. Web.