The terrifying word that makes the world worried is a disease, CANCER. Recently, the fear of cancer is getting more, and becoming a synonym for death as the number of cases increases by the year. A factor that is affecting various types of cancer are stigmatized due to different types of cancers, various treatments give different outcomes. It is disturbing the minds of millions of humans and feelings physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. This disturbance is mostly created among the patients, their family and loved ones, which is cancer stigma.Though there are many advanced therapies for the cancer treatment there is a fight between the patient and the stigma of the disease.
So, now we will learn more details about the cancer stigma, how an individual and their families have to deal with it to overcome the effects caused. There is a need to pay attention to this topic as it is damaging the mental health, immunity, and lack of awareness to both the cancer patients, their families and also their loved ones.
Awareness on cancer stigma
People with cancer are facing many discriminations at the workplace and in society which is leading to the negative beliefs and attitudes of the people suffering with cancer. Cancer stigma is badly affecting the cancer people by lacking the diagnosis, care and decreasing the quality of life by the medical professionals towards the cancer patients.
Cancer stigma and its effects
It is showing an effect on the people’s mental and emotional well being. It is also not providing any support to care and creating disturbance in feelings like guilt, shame, getting isolated from the society.It is also showing effect on the families and causing difficulties to share feelings among the loved ones.
Tips to avoid cancer stigma
- The best way to avoid cancer stigma is to know more about the cancer and its types and the treatments provided
- Creating awareness by companies, sharing and talking about the feelings of cancer patients will also reduce the cancer stigma
- Creating a group of cancer patients into a circle using social media helps them to not feel alone and decrease cancer stigma
- Having discussions about the cancer stigma among the patients’ families and society to increase awareness and educate them
- Be patient, listen to the cancer patients keenly and provide confidence that you are there for them
- Provide strength to them by staying by their side in any situation
- Help and thank the people who are there for the cancer patients to support in doing household work and not creating any work pressure or burden to them.
- Know about the information and other details about cancer that helps to care about the loved ones in giving more details and latest news on cancer.
- All trained healthcare professionals also play an important role in cancer stigma. It is to train the people to communicate with the patients. Educating the people to know the boundaries in discrimination and spreading negative attitudes towards the cancer patients.
- Educating the people and cancer patients about the rights and policies. There are anti-discrimination laws that avoid the people and patients from discrimination and provide good treatment. These policy makers will also provide funding support for both cancer research and for public awareness to talk about stigma.
- As we all know about a powerful influence that has the highest impact on the public is the media. There is a chance to promote positive and correct representations of patients dealing with cancer. It is important to highlight the strength and motivation of cancer patients not about the suffering, sympathy and understanding.
- Creating social media groups both online and offline will provide a space for the patients to share the experiences and provide emotional support. It may also organize several events and activities to keep them engaged.
- This stigma may cause social isolation and it will avoid the cancer patients from interactions with the society due to judgment or discrimination.There will be a distance between the friends and family members because of the fear and discomfort. It may cause disturbances in mental health. As social support is most important in maintaining the stability of mental health.
- It may also show a negative effect on the recovery and the quality of life. This may lead to the weakening of the immune system, which makes it harder to fight against the cancer cells. Lack of support socially may cause poor health outcomes and lowers the quality of life.
The Oncology journal of India performed a study and published data in 2019, which highlights factors affecting cancer stigma in India. It deals with the cultural beliefs, misunderstandings due to lack of knowledge about the disease.
The body part which is affected with cancer and symptoms is also involved in the stigma which also leads to the isolation, discrimination and psychological stress towards the patients and their families. It may cause the diagnosis delay, avoiding seeking help because of the fear and shame.
Cancer stigma is a complex issue which affects various aspects in a patient’s life. Through the constant efforts of the individuals, communities, health care providers and policy makers, will reduce the outcome of the stigma. By educating the people doing all the necessary actions such as creating supportive environments, empowering patients, training health care providers, awareness about the policies, positive quotes in social media. There is no barrier for this cancer stigma. It will affect both men and women with all age groups.
By performing all these activities we can improve the lives of cancer patients, also provide confidence to talk about the disease and take clear steps towards a future to create a cancer free world is our PUNARJAN AYURVEDA motto. Always remember that you are not alone and we are there to help you in any aspects regarding cancer. Spreading knowledge on cancer, its types, precautions and treatment. Try to understand the feelings of the cancer patients and avoid discrimination against them in society and the workplace.