“The need for psycho-social support remains the same everywhere in the world and the need of the hour is to acquire the right knowledge about cancer which will help us to deal with it in a positive way. Together, we can learn and share, and help people cope with cancer,” said the regional head of Max Foundation, Viji Venkatesh, who felt that the disease aroused a sense of being desolate. He was speaking at a panel discussion organised by an award winning non-government organisation, Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer, on ‘Importance of Psycho-Social Support in Cancer Care.
Other eminent panelists like Desiree Punwani, an author and therapist, commented that a state of confusion is the first reaction of the patient towards the diagnosis of cancer.
Agreeing to Venkatesh’s view point, Dr Vani Parmar, an onco surgeon with Tata Memorial Centre, added, “One needs to understand that cancer isn’t a death sentence and seeking emotional help always helps. It isn’t the end of the road but just another chapter which requires lifestyle changes. The road to recovery does get rough but what is required is support from the family and friends to face the adversity. The society must take responsibility of creating a congenial atmosphere. What was most important was acceptance of the problem and having a positive attitude towards it.”
Dr Anand Parihar, the managing trustee of Cope with Cancer, vouched for the fact that hardships are not faced alone by the patient but the whole family. “The first and foremost thing to do is to accept the diagnosis; only then would one be able to decide the journey ahead. The role of a care giver becomes extremely important to retain a positive frame of mind,” said Parihar.
According to the MD of LIC, Vipin Anand, three things were important for a person fighting cancer— the will to live, the will to fight and the presence of somebody to support him. He also advised for prudent financial planning and adequate coverage to deal with the financial hardships caused by cancer.
The founder of Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer, Ruby Ahluwalia, talked about the ‘Impact Evaluation Research Study’ on the ‘Importance of Psycho Social Support in Cancer Care’, which was conducted by Sanjeevani in collaboration with the research wing of Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work. The research report, which highlights key findings from the lens of the doctors and patients, voiced the need for psycho-social support.
