The top psychosocial needs of cancer patients

The team at National Cancer Centre Singapore’s (NCCS) Department of Psychosocial Oncology aims to address the multifaceted needs of patients and their families, so that they are supported throughout their cancer journey. 

So what are the top psychosocial needs for cancer patients and how can they be helped? 

 

One of the main needs of cancer patients is information. When diagnosed, patients are expected to make treatment-related decisions that have an impact on their education or career, finances and day-to-day life.  Patients should seek support from a medical social worker or clinical psychologist to navigate the uncertainty ahead. They can recommend appropriate educational resources and share details on financial support, as well as offer a listening ear and tailor interventions according to patients' unique needs.

Cancer patients often face anxiety and depression, which are normal reactions to the abnormal situation of having to cope with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. With an unexpected cancer diagnosis, going through emotional upheavals is not unexpected. As such, one-on-one counselling is cited as a priority for cancer patients and their loved ones, to cope with diagnosis and treatment. Patients and caregivers go through life changes and sometimes will need marital, family and relationship counselling. 

Studies have shown that in addition to communicating with healthcare professionals, communicating with others who are facing, or have faced, a similar diagnosis is very helpful for cancer patients. Participating in support groups enables patients to get practical information and share experiences with others who are going through the same experiences or are survivors who have successfully completed treatment. For some patients, the group setting can provide more relief than one-on-one counselling, as they feel a sense of belonging and being able to relate to others through their shared experience. 

If you’re interested in joining a cancer support group or learning more about the support programmes, please see below for links and contact information: 

• Patient Support Groups website

• Patient Support Programmes’ email: patientsupport@nccs.com.sg 

NCCS sees the majority of cancer patients in Singapore’s public healthcare sector, some of whom require financial assistance to cover the cost of treatment and related medical expenses, such as transport to and from the hospital, and medical devices such as crutches or wheelchairs. Some patients may need to stop working during treatment and need help to defray the cost of lodging, food and bills. In these cases, patients should inform the medical social worker assigned to their case to discuss their eligibility for financial support schemes.

Having a cancer diagnosis can affect a person’s sense of peace, purpose, connection to others and beliefs about the meaning of life. A patient might start to ask themselves “why me?” or “what did I do that caused this to happen?” A cancer diagnosis can shake beliefs, faith and values. While this causes some people to reflect and think about what is important to them, others may feel overwhelmed and distressed, making it harder for them to cope with cancer and treatment. In these instances, a patient can turn to support from a medical social worker or clinical psychologist to work through these questions and feelings.

1. Chua GP, Tan HK. A qualitative approach in determining the patient-centered information and supportive care needs of cancer patients in Singapore. BMJ Open 2020;10:e034178. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034178

2. Chua GP, Ng QS. An Assessment of Health Information Resource Center and Supportive Program Needs. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2021;8:25-32.