Psychosocial

Increased resources and technological advances have allowed cancer survivors experiencing psychological side effects to seek help that might not have been available to them 20 years ago.

As a cancer survivor, I know all too well the struggles with depression and sadness. Fold in those grey winter days and It makes for a disastrous recipe.

Sara Montiel says she experienced severe body image issues after her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent double mastectomy, but she now recalls how she learned to realize how cancer was a blessing.

Facing cancer can be perplexing for some men as many of us were raised within the “boys don’t cry” ilk, but I want to remind everyone that it’s OK to feel emotions.

In this episode of the “Cancer Horizons” podcast, the founder of Jack’s Caregiver Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting men throughout the caregiving experience, explores the layered sociological factors which can affect men in unique ways when they are supporting a loved one with cancer.

As I remember my wonderful service dog, Sita, and honor her life, I want her to know that she not only taught me how to live, but also how to die gracefully.

The Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Experience Registry amplifies the voices of patients, survivors and caregivers by finding and addressing critical gaps in cancer care.

A survivor of breast cancer explains what she has learned about inclusive language and how it can empower patients who have been diagnosed with cancer on their healing journey.

A mother describes how her daughter formed an unlikely friendship with one of her chemo nurses after her treatment ended.

A cancer survivor discusses the hurtful words people say to cancer survivors and why they sting.

A breast cancer survivor describes how exhausting it is to live in constant fear of cancer and how she plans to combat it in 2022.

An end-of-life conversation may increase hope in patients with cancer, however many patients may be getting it from oncologists when it’s a “too little too late,” an expert said.

As treatments for NSCLC improve survival, this benefit may be affected by depression and anxiety, which is common in patients with the disease and may require patients to advocate for cognitive behavioral therapy among other approaches.

Dr. Don S. Dizon discusses how cancer centers can be more inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, from the naming of the institutions to the types of magazines found in the waiting rooms.

A cancer survivor explains how his holiday traditions changed after his wife was sick with and eventually died from cancer, and why each changing tradition holds a special place in his heart.

People who have successfully navigated difficult times in the past may be able to use those previous coping strategies to help them weather new stress related to a cancer diagnosis, treatment or survivorship, according to an expert from the George Washington University Cancer Center.

A male breast cancer survivor describes his anxiety and one tool for curtailing it.

Men are often discouraged by society from openly sharing their emotions. A cancer survivor explains why lessons from childhood around how men should behave prevented him from finding support for his mental health.

Even though recording conversations during a doctor’s appointment may make it easier for patients with cancer to retain information, some oncologists are uncomfortable with being recorded.

Due to less travel and other treatment-related expenses, some patients with cancer prefer a telemedicine doctor’s visit over going into an office or clinic.

When LGBTQ+ patients speak up about discriminatory experiences in cancer care, it can help take back the power and pave the way for better care in the future.

The study results demonstrated that patients with cancer had an elevated risk of all-cause mortality in the short-term if they experienced the onset of a mental health condition and were prescribed medicine for the condition shortly after their cancer diagnosis.

A breast cancer survivor explains how a group of men made fun of her chest – which is flat due to a double mastectomy – and how she chose to laugh the rude comment away.

The risk for suicide increased after a cancer diagnosis and may last at least 10 years after, emphasizing how patients should seek mental health care as part of their journey.

Although being in a close relationship during the cancer journey can dramatically improve outcomes, the stress of treatment and the diagnosis itself can take a toll on couples, sometimes in a negative way.

A woman who was the primary caregiver for her sister with cancer writes about how she regrets not utilizing social media to share updates throughout the treatment journey.

What do you do when cancer begins to drive a wedge between you and your partner? “I always feel it could cause the end of my relationship because I’m too much,” writes one survivor.

A woman explains how living with Lynch syndrome prepared her for the anxiety felt during the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses a painful loss she experienced.