DUBAI Cancer patients tend to be more anxious about their illness than others, but deep-rooted fears could affect prognosis and treatment, experts have said.
Speaking to XPRESS on the eve of World Cancer Day on February 4, Dr Mohammed Yusuf, psychiatrist with Aster Medical Centre, said: “Many cancer patients suffer from anxiety and depression but if due care is not taken, it can tell on their immune system and affect treatment. Such patients need professional help to beat the blues. They may need psychotherapy and in some cases, medication.”
No formula
Dr Houriya Kazim of Well Woman Clinic and founder of the support group Brest Friends, said the level of anxiety differs from case to case. “It’s a very individual thing,” she said, noting there is no formula to cope with depression but help from family, friends, support groups and professionals is imperative.
Elaine Callander, a breast cancer survivor who has co-founded a What’sApp support group called Pink Ladies, said: “The fear creeps in at every stage – whether it’s the initial diagnosis, the thought of it spreading or the onset of chemotherapy and so on. I remember my daughter bringing home a book called Mums don’t get sick, so as I would try to keep things as normal as possible. The only way forward is to stay positive.”
She said the worst thing that one can do is go on the Internet and make unfounded inferences. “If you don’t watch out, you will end up having every sign and symptom and may die in three weeks! Also, never ask ‘Why me?’ You won’t find the answer.”
Breast cancer survivor Ingrid Valles Po, however, says reading from credible sources equips a patient to deal with the situation. “When I first went to the doctor in 2003, I was prepared as I had read up a lot. The actual diagnosis came as a shock but I could deal with it as I was positive, knew what to expect and what questions I needed to ask.”
She said although breast cancer patient can be 100 per cent cured, the fear of relapse is always there. “Again the key to stay positive and go in for regular check-ups.”
