Psychosocial Effects of Cancer

Cancer dramatically changes all aspects of a patient's life. Although treatment demands immediate and prolonged attention, the psychosocial effects can be overwhelming and may interfere with treatment. Additionally, a patient's mood changes and increased stress levels may involve family members and friends.

Emotional Effect

• A cancer diagnosis launches a range of emotional reactions. Depression is common and most patients experience sadness. Signs of depression include lack of interest or pleasure in activities, feeling worthless or guilt, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and persistent thoughts of suicide or death. These signs are common among patients with cancer and may not signal clinical depression. Symptoms that persist for more than two weeks without a break require treatment. Anxiety, another common reaction to a cancer diagnosis, may lead to treatment avoidance. A combination of worry, fear and emotional distress in addition to physical symptoms such as rapid pulse and respiration comprise the feeling of anxiety. Unrelieved anxiety can lead to heightened stress levels and patients may avoid treatment because of their fears.

Physical Effects

• Sleep disorders caused by stress, anxiety and unrelieved pain worsen depression and fatigue associated with cancer. Cancer also reduces sexual activity. Certain cancers, such as prostate, cervical or colorectal cancers, directly interfere with sexual function, but cancer exerts indirect effects on sexuality as well. For example, some cancer treatments may alter hormonal balance, and side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, pain and nausea, reduce desire.

Effect on Family

• The effect of cancer on a patient's family can be devastating. While trying to cope with a loved one facing a life-threatening condition, family members must adjust to drastic changes in daily routines. Caregivers assume additional responsibilities and may lack sufficient support. Accumulating healthcare bills may add additional stress to a family. The patient with cancer undergoes mood changes and may display anger, resentment or frustration with his condition. Unfortunately, the cancer patient may inadvertently take out their anger on family members and may even become verbally or physically abusive.

Survivor Issues

• Patients who successfully complete their treatment regimens and experience remission of their cancer may have lingering complications. They must learn to live with uncertainty and often worry about cancer recurrence. Surgery may have left them with physical deformities and they may experience lingering side effects from medications. Depression, pain and anxiety may persist after treatment ends.

Support Groups

• Psychological and spiritual support helps patients with cancer to cope with their diagnosis. With time, most patients with cancer experience an improvement in their emotional state. However, they remain susceptible to depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.