Essay --

In the past, only the physical aspects of cancer were recognized. An individual’s body was only treated and the person within that body went unnoticed. Cancer, which was commonly known as the â€Å"C word†, was considered a death sentence. The patient was often not told the diagnosis as family and physicians felt that the patient was unable to handle this diagnosis. In early years there was a stigma to having cancer and people did not talk about it. In the late 70s, psychiatrist Limmie Holland was the first health care professional that began speaking about the human side of cancer. She began the initial permanent psychiatric service in a cancer research hospital in 1977 and this produced the field psycho-oncology. However people were often confused as to what psychiatrists were doing with cancer patients and they frequently questioned it. Even today, there is confusion about the need for psycho-oncology services in the medical community and occasionally even resistance from patients(Inman, 2010). When one is diagnosed with cancer, it is ego shattering. The secure, predictable place where one felt in control is no more - their world as they once knew it no longer exists. The changes they go through can be extremely challenging. Cancer influences every aspect of life: one’s body, mind, spirit; family; friends; job; relationship with God and future. The diagnosis often leaves them feeling physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively out of control. Physically, treatment can produce exhaustion, pain, and irritability. Emotionally, feelings may become intense at times. Cognitive changes involve patients having difficulty with memory and concentration. The emotions one goes through may continue after treatment finishes. There are no... ...onjunction with the parent’s over-protectiveness. Social Effects Children with cancer may experience some social effects due to the illness. School-going children with cancer have limited time available for normal activities as they are preoccupied with hospitalizations, treatments, laboratory tests and radiology scans. They are also limited in terms of the types of activities they can engage in as they become easily fatigued, have limited mobility and have a higher risk of injury than other children. Some of the social effects of cancer and its treatment include feelings of being overwhelmed, anxiety, depression, fear, frustration, and a poor self concept (Spinelli, 2004). Psychological Effects Children with cancer may also experience psychological side effects such as social isolation, peer rejection, tendency to withdrawal and embarrassment (Spinelli, 2004).