Coping with the Side-Effects of Cervical Cancer Treatment
It started with the heavy bleeding outside of her cycle days for Meghna. She brushed it off as a pre-menopausal symptom, but the constant pain in her pelvic region was a concern. Meghna finally got it checked, and a series of tests led to the diagnosis of stage 3 cervical cancer. Immediately, she consulted an oncologist and started her cervical cancer treatment. Like Meghna, more than 96922 women are diagnosed with the disease every year, and the numbers are increasing alarmingly.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8819855/
Source: https://www.rgcirc.org/cervix-cancer/
According to a medical study, most patients get diagnosed in their mid-50s. However, the symptoms and changes can slowly progress through the 20s and 30s, peaking in the mid-50s. So, regular screening can detect cancer at its early stages.
These numbers, the symptoms, and the causes are the hard facts that everyone ever talks about. What no one tells the patient is how to cope with the diagnosis and the ensuing cancer battle, taking a toll on the body and mind.
Physical Impact
Cancer takes a toll on your body. Depending on the stage of the illness and the nature of the prognosis, the treatment can be rigorous. Patients often undergo surgery, followed by a series of chemo and radiation. While it works well in eliminating cancer cells, it’s called a battle for a reason.
The immunity starts faltering, and there are several side effects of the treatment, along with hair loss. It is nerve-wracking for the patient and her family. In such cases, it’s essential to speak with the healthcare team and discuss the side effects with them. Cancer treatments have long-term effects and require follow-up care that the patient should be aware of.
When you know what’s happening to you, why it’s happening and what can follow, that gives you a sense of control over the situation. It’s the best coping mechanism under those circumstances.
Mental Health
Physical side effects are visible, but what about mental trauma? Cancer treatments can take a severe toll on the mental health. It’s common to feel an array of emotions, like anxiety, sadness, anger, and stress. But since sound mental health is a part of physical healing, one must get professional help when under duress during cervical cancer treatment.
These days there are social care workers and cancer care groups that one can join to cope with mental exhaustion. The patient must consult a professional counselor if needed.
Social Stigma
Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding the cancer of sexual organs is still much prevalent in society. The bystanders are quick to pass judgements, thanks to all the misinformation circling about the disease. It becomes challenging for the patient to go out and about and share their story with others. Since cervical cancer is associated with HPV, patients are stigmatised for leading an immoral life. In such cases, the patient should get professional help from care groups and counsellors to cope with the stigma.
Wrapping Up
The battle with cancer is tough, but with quality healthcare, coping mechanisms, and support from family and friends, you can win against cancer. It’s essential to get regular screenings for any early symptoms. For further information on cervical cancer treatment, feel free to call the experts at Ace Medicare.