Cancer patients have to deal with lots of feelings, not knowing what will happen next, and feeling sick all the time. This journey has different parts full of ups and downs, each with its own problems and chances to be strong. Dr Austin Fernandes, Psychiatrist, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, shared that as psychiatrist, he has watched and helped patients through this tough time.

1. Cancer care:
Psychological
impacts on patients
during treatment -
Dr L H Hiranandani
Hospital Kidney

2. About :-
Other than the burden on physical health, cancer can also
impact the psychological health of the patients. Know what
components need to be strengthen for better psychological
health.
Cancer patients have to deal with lots of feelings, not
knowing what will happen next, and feeling sick all the
time. This journey has different parts full of ups and downs,
each with its own problems and chances to be strong. Dr
Austin Fernandes, Psychiatrist, Dr L H Hiranandini Hospital,
Powai, Mumbai, shared that as psychiatrist, he has
watched and helped patients through this tough time.
Here, he explained how the mind and feelings of the
patients connect with their medical care.

3. Psychological journey of a cancer
patient during treatment
Initial Shock and Emotional Support: When people first find
out they have cancer, it’s like a big shock. They feel scared,
worried, and can’t believe it’s happening. Dr Fernandes said,
“They start thinking about life and death and feel
overwhelmed by all the treatments they might need. It’s
really important to help them right away by listening to
their feelings and giving them a place to talk about their
fears where they feel safe.”

4. Managing Treatment-related Distress:
When treatment starts, patients can feel
lots of different physical problems from
the medicine. They might feel really sick
or not know what will happen next.
Teaching patients how to think differently
and helping them focus on the present
moment, can make them feel more in
control even when things are tough.

5. Existential Reflection and Meaning-making:
He said, “When things get really hard, patients
start thinking about big questions like the meaning
of life. Cancer can make people change the way
they see things and what’s important to them. It
can help them become stronger, find new reasons
to keep going and feel closer to the people they
care about.”

6. Importance of Social Support:
Having people around who care about
you is really important when you’re
getting treatment for cancer. They help
you stay strong and feel better
emotionally. It’s also really important to
make sure the people taking care of you
have what they need, so they can
support you better.

7. Coping with Changes
in Physical
Appearance:
After chemotherapy, some patients struggle with
accepting their changed physical appearance,
particularly baldness. This can lead to feelings of self-
consciousness and emotional distress. Psychiatrists
and family members are really important in helping
during this time. Talking openly, listening with care,
and finding ways to feel better can make it easier for
people to accept how they look and feel stronger as
they go through cancer treatment.

8. Transition to Survivorship
As treatment goes on, patients start thinking
about life after cancer. They feel relieved that
treatment is working but also worry about cancer
coming back. This time is like starting a new part
of their journey. They still need help dealing with
their emotions and feeling strong.

9. Thank you!