Because the fight against cancer is not only treating patients with drugs, doctors are also increasingly committed to supporting their patients psychologically in their fight. Studies show that the quality of life of patients and their psychological comfort depend on it.
Agnès, met a few days ago at the entrance to an anti-cancer center in the Ile-de-France, is in the terminal stage of vaginal cancer. The relationship she has with her oncologist is essential to her. “The day of the announcement, my oncologist stayed with me for more than an hour and a half. I was always well supervised, well accompanied, she testifies. I haven’t had a moment where I felt let down”she assures.
The announcement of the diagnosis, precisely, is a key moment, explains Connor Kinslow, a doctor in New York. He is the author of one of more than 800 studies on the subject presented during the weekend at the Chicago Cancer Congress, which is a reference. “In the United States, cancer patients are twice as likely to commit suicide as the rest of the population.he observes. The typical profile is a white man, over 60, who has cancer with a very unfavorable prognosis.
“In general, suicide occurs within six months of diagnosis. This is a time when oncologists must be very attentive to the emotional state of their patient.”
Connor Kinslow, doctor in New Yorkat franceinfo
“When I feel my patients are fragile, I ask them how they are. But honestly, not all of my colleagues are comfortable talking about depression and suicide.admits Connor Kinslow. But my research shows that you have to get in there and have those conversations with patients.”
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Empathy is also necessary after cancer
This essential relationship between patient and doctor, this empathy, is also necessary in the post-cancer period. “We have made great advances in cancer research and therefore more and more patients are cured. But many, more than half of them, then live with the fear of relapseobserves Jenny Liu, an oncologist in Sydney, Australia. Some express this fear, others do not.
“Some are consumed by fear of relapse, of death.”
Jenny Liu, oncologistat franceinfo
“They don’t plan any more vacationscontinues Jenny Liu. We need to prevent this anxiety, which sometimes turns into depression. Often patients do not dare to talk to their oncologist.
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Dr. Jenny Liu has set up a short half-hour training course on the internet, so that oncologists know how to reassure their patients about this fear of the cancer coming back. “The first point is to reassure the patient, tell him that it’s normal to worry, assures the oncologist. Then you have to tell him what the risks of relapse are, generally less important than he imagines. Also tell him which symptoms to identify. Back pain is not necessarily your cancer coming back. And then you have to explain to the patient that he can talk about his worries to his relatives, his family at a specific time of the day, but not all day. Finally, the oncologist can refer his patient to a psychologist. Oncologists are already experimenting with this protocol to prevent patient anxiety in Australia and Denmark. 97% of patients say that talking about it with their doctor reassured them.
Fight against cancer, the importance of psychological follow-up: report by Solenne Le Hen
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If you need help, if you are worried or if you are confronted with the suicide of a member of your entourage, you can reach 3114 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Line suicide listening can also be reached on 01 45 39 40 00. Other information is also available on the website of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health.