CHANGING HABITS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OF CANCER PATIENTS, A MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595182510045

• Palavras-chave: Cancer patient support, Palliative care, Family impact of cancer, Cancer pain, Prejudice and stigma in cancer.

• Keywords: Cancer patient support, Palliative care, Family impact of cancer, Cancer pain, Prejudice and stigma in cancer.

• Abstract:

  Cancer is a complex pathology that impacts not only patients but also their families, requiring comprehensive support in various dimensions. Support for cancer patients involves clinical, emotional and social aspects, varying according to the stages of treatment. During diagnosis, patients and their families face emotional shock and the need for clear and accessible information about their condition and prognosis. In the active treatment phase, challenges such as adverse effects of therapy and changes in family dynamics require interdisciplinary support, including doctors, nurses, psychologists and social workers. In the palliative phase, the focus is on pain relief and promoting quality of life, with an emphasis on humanizing care and welcoming family members.In addition to physiological challenges, cancer patients often face social stigmatization and prejudice, which can result in isolation and deteriorating mental health. Barriers to accessing treatment, misinformation and myths about the disease amplify the vulnerability of these individuals. Pain, both physical and psychological, is a central element in cancer, affecting approximately 60% to 80% of patients in advanced stages. Effective pain management requires multimodal strategies, including the appropriate use of opioids, such as morphine, and psychosocial interventions to help mitigate emotional distress.Family members are also impacted by the cancer journey, experiencing feelings of helplessness, anxiety and anticipatory grief. Support for caregivers includes education about the patient's condition, psychological support and stress management strategies. Family intervention models, such as the Dynamic Model of Family Assessment and Intervention (MDAIF), have shown benefits in terms of family adaptation and improving the quality of care offered.Therefore, it is essential to provide structured support that includes the cancer patient and their support network, promoting an integrated and humanized approach throughout the entire course of the disease.