Understanding the psychology of terminal cancer patients

Cancer patients often go through 5 stages: denial, anger, negotiation, depression, acceptance. Most patients are aware of the inevitable progress of cancer when it is in the final stage. Some people who are scared may have to send them in for psychological examination and psychological treatment at the right time.

Cancer is a disease that goes through many stages. At each stage, the treatment and prognosis will be different. Accordingly, the patient's psychology will gradually change according to the stage of the disease. However, in many cases, if the examination and detection of the disease is late, the cancer has already entered the terminal stage, no longer able to treat specifically and the prognosis is severe. In these situations, the psychological transformation still follows the "process" step-by-step but will be shortened and the acceptance is not so gentle.
Even so, in any case, the time from the moment the doctor wrote the conclusion that "cancer is terminal" or is often called "returned from the hospital" is the beginning of an extremely abrupt start to the day. suffocating, pessimistic for the patient himself as well as the whole family. In other words, at this time, the mental shock will completely destroy both physical and psychological.

It seems that there will be no space for the concept of "joy", "source of life", "optimism" or "love of life" in the minds of terminal cancer patients. Now, after months and days full of hope "will be cured", "the disease will be in remission", they find themselves falling into a black hole of stalemate, accepting their departure and hoping for a future life. in another world. There are people who go through these days resignedly, patiently, and even letting go of everything. However, others get angry, suffer, cry, complain and even cause pain to "revenge" themselves.
However, the expression before death of people with cancer when it is finally near the moment of life and death, is generally in the pain of both body, physical and mental, tortured by cancer . Moreover, in some people it will be regret, torment and anxiety when unfinished business, unresolved relationships or loved ones have not yet met...

Because of the above, psychological care for cancer patients in the final stages is extremely necessary; if done well, it can sometimes be likened to a "elixir" and prolongs life even though "the doctor shook his head".
Care measures for the patient can be carried out by family members, social organizations, psychologists or religious representatives. These measures can be listed as follows:
Concern One of the fears of terminal cancer patients is abandonment. They know their body has become useless, ugly or is about to die, so it has no value in the family and community. Therefore, if they still feel cared for, the fear can be alleviated somewhat.
The first concern is from the family members themselves, from the rice bowl and sleep. Children and grandchildren should regularly visit their grandparents and parents, such as "how do you see yourself", "do you need anything or not"... At this time, the last wishes of life have the opportunity to be expressed. sick will also find some consolation.
Freedom Since time is running out, let's create conditions for terminal cancer patients to do all they want and love. All abstinence and prohibition now have no meaning.
If the patient is still awake and has the ability to walk or exercise, the patient should be encouraged to live on his or her own, including doing normal work. They should go out and interact with the community like a normal person. When the body is weaker, all activities need help, do what they want, including eating and resting preferences. This will help reduce the pain caused by cancer to some extent and the mind will be more comfortable.
Solve - Handover Each individual in society is a link of countless different networks at the same time. When the concept of cancer suddenly hit, everything had to be put on hold to focus on cancer treatment.
When in the final stage, all specific treatment is no longer indicated, the patient should be advised to understand that this is the right time left to be able to handle his own affairs . If not fully resolved, should plan or find a handover. Accomplishing these things will make the moment of separation less painful and lighter.
Religion Religion is always a great spiritual support for terminal cancer patients in particular, who have problems of deadlock in society in general. Many studies have also shown that the prognosis of diseases according to many criteria in patients with religious faith is better than in people who do not follow any religion.
Therefore, when going to the temple or church, when listening to moral lectures, it will help the patient realize that life becomes impermanent, death is a liberation for people to come closer to virtue. more trusting and should be gently accepted.
Calm After all this, there is nothing better than a calm and ready mind. Some patients will feel more comfortable talking about their requests and wishes or what to do after their death. When everything has been carefully prepared, when they feel that there is no longer any need to wait and regret, cancer patients will wholeheartedly feel the care and love of their children and their family members in the future. the last day in the most satisfying and peaceful way.

Vinmec General Hospital system was established with the goal of comprehensive human health care. Among them, mental health is always a big part. Therefore, the Psychology Clinic - Vinmec Times City Hospital was built with the function of examining, consulting and outpatient treatment of psychological and mental health problems, especially those with terminal cancer. .
With modern, well-invested equipment, along with a team of doctors who are lecturers of Psychiatry Department of Hanoi Medical University with many years of experience and seniority in the profession and internal doctors. As a resident with solid expertise, the Psychology clinic - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital is capable of implementing psychological tests, intensive psychotherapy for general medical examination and treatment, cancer in particular.
Location at Vinmec Times City:
Room 4063, 4th floor - Department of General Internal Medicine.
Clinic working schedule: From 8:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 17:00.
Customers can go directly to Vinmec Times City to visit or contact hotline 0243 9743 556 for support.