By Joycelyn Curtis, PhD, LCSW
Any individual diagnosed with cancer is considered a survivor from the day of diagnosis, according to the National Coalition of Cancer Survivors. In 2001, there were approximately 9.8 million cancer survivors (individuals still alive who have had a cancer diagnosis) in the United States according to the National Cancer Institute. Almost 10 million people in the U.S. are living beyond a cancer diagnosis and treatment. If the current trend continues with the increase in the number of cancer survivors, the need for additional interventions and supportive care will increase as well.
A Cancer Diagnosis
Most would agree that a diagnosis of cancer is devastating news. Immediately, the individual’s life is changed forever. Life will never be the same! Everything that was normal prior to the diagnosis of cancer changes with three words “You have cancer.” Some individuals with cancer have described the process of coping beyond the diagnosis and treatment of cancer as developing “a new normal.” The person with cancer and his/her family are given the task of creating a new life with a new title “cancer survivors.” Yet many, along with healthcare providers, are redefining cancer survivorship, as new patterns and issues emerge.
When Treatment Ends
Many questions remain unanswered as individuals with cancer complete their cancer treatments and move into the next phase of the journey, survivorship. Questions such as:
- What does five-year survival means?
- Will I have life long side effects due to my cancer treatment?
- Will my cancer recur?
- Am I well enough to return to work?
- What do I tell my employer or how much do I tell my employer?
- How often should I seek follow-up care?
Picture this if you will: millions of people, according to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 3.5 percent of the U.S. population, are treading un-chartered water in the new frontier of cancer survivorship. Survivors who had childhood cancers have similar and yet different issues of survivorship as compared to adulthood cancer survivors.
Psychological Support
Many decisions following a cancer diagnosis have to be made, in most instances, in a short time span. Individuals have very little time to actually process what is happening to them at diagnosis and the beginning of treatment.
Shock, denial, anger, bargaining, and other emotions associated with grief (loss of a sense of wellness) may be experienced. Psychosocial and social factors can impact a person’s quality of life.
The importance of psychological support being an integral part in cancer care has been documented (Fallowfield, Ratcliffl, Jenkins, & Saul, 2001); Lloyd-Williams, 2001). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “While there is no evidence to support a causal role for depression in cancer, depression may impact the course of the disease and a person’s ability to participate in treatment.” As cited in the NIMH article “Depression and Cancer,” studies in the research literature indicated that at least 25% of people with cancer have depression, yet the warning signs of depression can be viewed as something that automatically occurs with cancer. The NIMH cited that “Treatment for depression helps people manage both diseases, thus enhancing survival and quality of life.” Psychological support may be provided by professionals or, informally, by close family and friends.
Asking for Help
For some individuals and their families, obtaining help, (especially financial assistance) can prove to be disheartening for them as they battle cancer. Many people with cancer experience a significant decrease in their income after a cancer diagnosis. Some individuals who are employed and diagnosed with cancer may qualify for short or long-term disability programs through their employer.
Those who qualify for Social Security Disability may have to wait months after completing numerous forms for Social Security Disability Income (SSA) assistance before they actually receive benefits. Most individuals find out that even if they are eligible to receive SSA payments (only available to those who meet work requirements of Social Security system), they are not eligible to receive Medicare (Medical Insurance Coverage) until they have received SSA benefits for two years. Those who do not qualify for SSA have the task of seeking out other programs and or services to help with daily living expenses, while at the same time fight cancer.
