ADVOCACY TOOLKIT #6
– PSYCHO-SOCIAL CARE
THE FACTS
Fear of death, disruption of life plans, changes in body image and self-esteem, changes in social role and lifestyle, and financial concerns are all realities in the lives of people diagnosed with cancer. In fact, at least a quarter suffer major depression which, unless treated, can impact negatively on their quality of life. [1]
That’s not in question. But a major issue for psychosocial oncology is how we get to a place where we rapidly, and in a standardised way, identify and appropriately care for patients and families in need of specialised psychosocial and rehabilitation services.
The issue of screening for distress is gathering momentum internationally; in 2011 delegates at the meeting in China of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) voted to endorse the International Psycho-oncology Standard of Care document, which recognised distress as the 6th Vital Sign. [2]
South Africa needs to urgently rethink its lack of commitment in this area, especially in light of data that shows distress is a risk factor for non-adherence to treatment.
Ultimately it also impacts on patients’ decision-making, which can impact negatively on the oncology team as it manifests in increased visits to doctors and the emergency room, a situation South Africa can ill-afford. [3] Patients – and their families and carers – deserve the best outcomes possible, and this requires the inclusion of systemic psychosocial care in the continuum of cancer care.
WHAT WE NEED
- A general acceptance of the value of psychosocial care for cancer patients.
- A strategy to ensure sufficient oncology social workers, trained counsellors and patient navigators throughout the country.
- A focus on the problems presented by language barriers.
- An acknowledgement that families and carers need significant support.
- Buy-in from NGOs and communities to help meet the need.
- Training in psychotherapy techniques for nurses, clinicians and radiotherapists.