On medical and social support for relatives of patients with cancer

BACKGROUND: The problem of adequate medical and social support in oncological disease is relevant not only because of high cancer mortality rates but also because cancer often require complex and sometimes aggressive treatment with an initially unfavorable prognosis. In such circumstances, relatives of patients become actively involved in care and support, frequently experiencing psychoemotional, physical, and financial difficulties, which makes them both potential and actual recipients of various forms of assistance.

AIM: To develop proposals for the prevention of health disorders among family members of patients with cancer.

METHODS: The study included 300 relatives of patients receiving specialized oncological care. Data were collected using a specially designed questionnaire. Informed consent for participation in the studt was an inclusion criterion. Statistical analysis was performed using applied programs in Microsoft Office Excel.

RESULTS: All respondents reported experiencing stress related to their relative’s oncological disease; 161 individuals (53.6%) experienced constant stress, 43 (14.3%) several times per week, and 96 (32.1%) less frequently. Persistent fatigue and exhaustion were constantly experienced by every fourth respondent (75; 25.0%), and by 54 respondents (17.9%) several times per week; feelings of helplessness or despair related to the condition of the ill relative were reported by 96 respondents (32.1%) constantly and by 54 respondents (17.9%) several times per week. Anxiety and worry about the relative’s health were constantly present in 139 participants of survey (46.4%) and frequently in 86 (28.6%). Irritability was reported by 75 respondents (25.0%), and depressive symptoms by 11 (3.6%). Emotional problems were more pronounced among women. Substantial financial difficulties were reported by half of the respondents. At the time of the survey, 118 respondents (39.3%) were satisfied with their lives, 115 (38.3%) were partially satisfied, and 67 (22.4%) were dissatisfied. Full access to medical and social support for patients with cancer was reported by 107 respondents (35.7%), whereas access to medical and informational support was reported by 139 (46.4%). The most frequently identified unmet need was psychological support (214 respondents; 71.4 per 100 surveyed).

CONCLUSION: Expanding access to palliative and social care for patients with cancer (particularly in rural and remote regions) represents an important direction for the prevention of health disorders and rehabilitation of patients’ relatives.