Part I: Managing the Psychosocial Needs of a Mesothelioma Patient – the Patient’s Perspective
by Nancy Meredith
Being diagnosed with cancer, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, is overwhelming and often devastating to many of the patients. Not only is the disease physically challenging, but it can also take a toll on the patients’ and their families’ emotional well-being. The average survival time for mesothelioma, a serious cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, varies from 4 – 18 months. Many mesothelioma patients facing this prognosis become overwhelmed and depressed as they fight to improve their survival, but are forced to face their mortality at the same time.
Various studies have been conducted that show the power of the mind-body connection where positive thinking results in the improvement in a patient’s health. And according to a 2007 landmark study conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), social and emotional support are just as important as medical care in the face of a cancer diagnosis.
Stress Compounds the Challenge of Cancer Care
In the report entitled Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs the IOM committee found that even though the health care community is increasingly aware of the importance of addressing psychological problems in the lives of their patients, the providers still do not discuss any psychosocial issues, or point the patients to support groups, often leading to “detrimental effects on their patients.”
The IOM found that some patients undergoing rigorous cancer treatments, and dealing with family and financial issues at the same time, can generate additional harmful health effects from the stress. This in turn increases the difficulty of treating the whole patient, and can result in a “damaging, downward spiral.” In fact, the study found that some patients exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The cost of mesothelioma treatment can leave patients and their families deeply in debt. Patients are sometimes faced with having to end treatments early due to their mounting expenses. A study conducted by Harvard Medical School found that medical bills are responsible for close to 60 percent of personal bankruptcies in the United States. This is a heavy burden for those undergoing mesothelioma therapy and facing a life or death situation.
The Empowered Patient
The committee points out that cancer treatment is a collaborative effort, and the patients should feel empowered to request the support needed to manage the cancer and its affect on their lives. The authors suggest that each patient should request clear communication with their medical team, guidance and information on emotional and social support, and a patient advocate that coordinates their medical, emotional, and social care.
The findings of this study led the committee to conclude, “The failure to address the very real psychosocial health needs of patients and their caregivers is a failure to effectively treat that patient’s cancer, plain and simple.” They added, “Cancer is no simple disease, and effective treatment is not just about killing rogue cells with radiation and chemotherapy. It’s about healing the human being.”
Part II will address the medical team’s responsibility in supporting the mesothelioma patient.
