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Cancer is now the leading cause of death in many wealthy countries. In addition to the physical impacts of cancer, the disease gravely affects the mental well-being of patients.

A cancer diagnosis in itself is sufficient to have a profound effect on the psychological and physical well-being of the diagnosed and the family as well. The pressure to be at par with the expectations of the family, financial burdens, and constant deteriorating health are some of the reasons why the patients face feelings of angst, anxiety and depression.

According to The National Cancer Institute, one in three cancer patients or survivors have faced psychological distress in some form. Also, cancer survivors are twice as likely to commit suicide that the general population. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is another psychological impact that is faced by many survivors.

Mental health professionals actively work with cancer patients to rule out a path of recovery for them. According to many studies, breast cancer patients had a 45% less risk of their cancer coming back after actively participating in psychologist-led group sessions.

Cancer brings drastic changes into the lives of patients. The childhood dreams that they were once sure of, are now uncertain. Living under the constant fear of experiencing your last breath causes a major setback to the mental health of many patients.

A cancer patient or survivor should always adopt a healthier lifestyle to make the most of their plight. They should be encouraged to engage in mild physical activity for starters, like walking. Engaging the person in activities they enjoy is considered a great way to maintain a stable mental health. Tejasvi Mohan, a student of Lady Shri Ram College commented: “Cancer is a fatal disease, and takes a toll on the mental health of patients as well as their loved ones, and the best way to get through this tough time is by seeking professional help to channelize their grief in a proper manner.”

The family members of the diagnosed person are at a high risk of depression and anxiety. The grieving process involves taking into account the feelings of family members alike. Patients and their loved ones may be going through preparatory grief, which refers to the levels of grief before a loss event occurs. Coping is a lengthy process, but worth it nevertheless.

Feature image credits- Cityclub

Suhani Malhotra

[email protected]

October dons the capes of pink and celebrates the Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout the world, facilitating a greater knowledge of the disease and its precautionary measures.

When facts say that one in eight women in a room has breast cancer or runs the risk of developing it in the future, the importance of awareness and early detection acquires an aura of mortal importance. The worldwide annual campaign united by the single idea of spreading awareness, accenting education, and propagating research, October witnesses the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

To process the magnanimity of this medical ailment factually, breast cancer prevails to be the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Through detection and early treatments, the risk of death due to breast cancer gets reduced by 38 percent. In the spirit of sensitising people about the symptoms and precautions of breast cancer, here’s looking back at various organisations all over the world who endeavoured to paint the hearts and minds of people in rhapsodies of pink.

  1. Pink Caravan organises ‘Ready, Sail, Skydive’

The final hours of the Breast Cancer Awareness month will be celebrated by the Friends of Cancer Patients’ initiative, Pink Caravan, in partnership with Skydive Dubai and Zero Gravity. Skydive sessions preceded a pink regatta carrying the message of awareness is a symbol of solidarity to the victims and survivors of breast cancer. The sky reflecting the need for a regular physical examination will be seen along the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

  1. HSE Facilitates Breast Check

The first step towards absorbing information is knowing facts about our body. The HSE through its National Breast Screening Programme, BreastCheck, to attend their respective appointments and get them checked. The screening hopes to engage women in the ropes of early detection in order to facilitate early treatment and recuperation.

  1. Snapshots of Hope

Stories spread and converge the realms of hope and reality, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation seeks to strum that melodious chord. Its campaign invites people to share stories of those being affected by breast cancer, which would be shared on their platform throughout the month of October.

The glorious deeds to shower knowledge about the value for life has also been microscopically taken up by communities across the world. From organising fundraisers through eventful games, a North Carolina resort offering free spa treatments to breast cancer victims and survivors, holding stand-up comedy shows to employ laughter to wearing pink ribbons and engaging in social media outreach contests, the International Breast Cancer Awareness month spread across 31 days and a multitude of global initiatives.

Cancer Prevention Watch

  1. Physical activity has been proven to reducing risks of 10 breast cancers by 10%.
  2. Consuming fruits and other fiber and cutting down on saturated fats allows the risk to lower down by 25%.
  3. A history of gum diseases is associated with a higher chance of getting breast cancer, thus, getting regular dental check-ups is crucial.
  4. Evade the clutches of breast cancer by regular screening cycles with your doctor. Knowledge is always power.

Get checked, take control of our health, and paint our hearts pink, shall we?

 

Image Credits: National Breast Cancer Foundation

Saumya Kalia

[email protected]