Introduction
A diagnosis of cancer affects people in many different ways. There is the physical impact of the illness and its treatment but also the emotional and social effects, as well as a range of practical issues, such as travel insurance, that need to be tackled. And cancer has an impact on families and friends as well.
The following advice is general in nature and is not a substitute for detailed discussions with your doctor or other health or social care professionals and your friends and family. But it should help you decide the questions you need to ask.
Back to top
Social impact
Lifestyle
Cancer and its treatment can have a considerable impact on patients. The symptoms of cancer or the side effects of treatment can disrupt people's normal lifestyles, preventing them from doing the things they enjoy and making it difficult to work. This in turn can lead to depression and money worries. Some types of surgery may affect your appearance so you feel that you can't face going out and meeting other people.
People affected by cancer may need several different kinds of support including:
- emotional support, which may come from social activities
- help with personal care, such as bathing and dressing
- advice on work and employment issues and help in making a benefit claim
- help inside and outside the home, such as cleaning and shopping
- practical aids, including wheelchairs and other equipment
- help to care for children and other dependants such as older relatives.
Relationships
People with cancer may find it difficult to talk with family and friends about their illness. Cancer can also change roles and relationships in a family for example, household jobs have to be done by others.
Back to top
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
The distinction between alternative and complementary medicine is not always clear-cut and may depend on the context. Many people now use the term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a way of including both approaches. Defining CAM is not straightforward. The general explanation is that they are a group of therapies, practices and approaches to health care which aren't part of conventional medicine. The list of what is considered to be CAM changes as therapies proven to be safe and effective become adopted into conventional health care.
Complementary therapies
These are used together with conventional medicine for example using aromatherapy to help lessen discomfort after surgery, acupuncture to help with pain.
Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine e.g. using a special diet to treat cancer instead of having surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor. Choosing alternative therapies may have profound implications and any decision to opt for these therapies instead of conventional medicine must be done on an informed basis with all the facts available.
Back to top