How can cancer patients be helped in coping with their disease?

Maintain honest, two-way communication with your loved ones, doctors and others after your cancer diagnosis. You may feel particularly isolated if people try to protect you from bad news or if you try to put up a strong front. If you and others express emotions honestly, you can all gain strength from each other.

Why does chemotherapy cause depression?

Study suggests that depression among cancer patients results from chemotherapy drugs, not just the mental distress of a cancer diagnosis. Researchers found that following a treatment regimen of temozolomide, mice displayed signs of depression, including decreased pleasure seeking and an increased response to stress.

How do you deal with cancer patients?

Tips for talking to someone with cancer

1. Don’t ignore them. Some people disappear when someone they know gets cancer.
2. Think before you speak.
3. Follow their lead.
4. Keep it about your friend, not you.
5. Just listen.
6. Don’t minimize their experience.
7. Don’t be intrusive.
8. Don’t preach to them.

Can chemo cause long term depression?

Along with the physical remnants of treatment, cancer survivors often continue to grapple with anxiety and depression. In some cases, these feelings may even intensify after treatment.

How do you cheer someone up on chemo?

Although each person with cancer is different, here are some general suggestions for showing support:

1. Ask permission. Before visiting, giving advice, and asking questions, ask if it is welcome.
2. Make plans.
3. Be flexible.
4. Laugh together.
5. Allow for sadness.
6. Check in.
7. Offer to help.
8. Follow through.

What happens when you refuse cancer treatment?

The person who refuses or stops cancer care may be open to hospice. Hospice care treats a person’s symptoms so their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice care is also family-centered – it includes the patient and the family in making decisions.