Question

why cancer is a social issue​

Answer 1

Answer:

cancer is one of the most devastating diseases, and according to the World Health Organization, there were more than 2.25 million cancer patients in India in 2018. This is a disease that does not distinguish based on age, religion, or financial status, but has a huge impact on psychosocial (social, financial, and emotional) well-being of the patient and the caregiver. It has been proven that through an integrated approach where social and emotional care is combined with treatment care, the patient's quality of life and their approach to dealing with cancer is more effective.These psychosocial issues faced by patients play a huge role in their fight toward obtaining victory over cancer. GJK, whose Patient Guidance Coordinators work closely with the urology germ cell tumor cancer patients at the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai sees 81% compliance to treatment and better patient outcomes by providing guidance, emotional support, and reducing their socioeconomic barriers.

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Answer 2

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study was undertaken to describe, evaluate and categorise the social problems experienced by cancer patients. Ninety-six adult cancer patients at all stages of disease participated in either a telephone focus group discussion, a face to face focus group or an individual interview which were tape recorded and transcribed. Six experts analysed the transcripts. A total of 32 social problems were identified categorized under eight headings plus four single items. The categories were: problems with (1) managing in the home, (2) health and welfare services, (3) finances, (4) employment, (5) legal matters, (6) relationships, (7) sexuality and body image and (8) recreation. Problems with relationships and communication were the most frequently reported with financial, employment, body image and domestic problems also being widely endorsed. Female groups, younger patient groups and groups where the aim of treatment was palliative reported more social problems than other groups. Social problems are common and important to cancer patients. The social problems identified in this study will contribute to an item pool generated for developing a Social Problems Inventory that may be included in patient centred assessment as part of routine oncology practice.

British Journal of Cancer (2002) 87, 1099–1104. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6600642 www.bjcancer.com

© 2002 Cancer Research UK

Keywords: social problems, cancer, focus groups

Science has dominated medicine for the last century and this has served oncology patients well. Over the last three decades, following advances in cancer treatments and the introduction of screening for early detection of breast and cervical cancer, survival rates have improved markedly (Coleman et al, 1999). Therefore, for an increasing proportion of the cancer patient population survival becomes a way of life. This good news may be tainted with the burdens of toxicity, uncertainty, chronic disability and discrimination. Patients attend oncology clinics from a diversity of backgrounds and differing social histories. They belong to families, local communities and the wider world. Patients have responsibilities in the home, the workplace and recreationally. A cancer diagnosis may threaten any one of these arenas resulting in a range of potential social problems. There may be complex interactions between social problems which are a direct result of the cancer and its treatment and those social problems which are an underlying reflection of the life, social status or economic status of the individual patients.

Routine assessment of social problems is not part of standard oncology practice. The primary preoccupation of the oncology team will usually lay an emphasis on maintaining survival. This preoccupation is also of paramount importance to patients and patients' families. There is evidence, however, to suggest that, although many patients make a good adjustment to having had a cancer diagnosis and treatment (Zebrack, 2000), there are others who may struggle and who would benefit from psychosocial support (Cull et al, 1995). As services stand at present this aspect of care is often neglected as health care professionals have other priorities and patients may feel ungrateful if they make demands on a service that is focussing on maintaining survival.