Puneet Sharma, Cancer Survivor, Founder of Cancer24x7, shared on LinkedIn:
“Today, a caregiver called me.
He started talking about his wife, their 12-year-old son, the hospitals they had been visiting for the past week…
And then he broke down emotionally
‘I am lost. The doctor has told us it is Stage 4. I don’t know what to do.’
He told me how difficult it had been to reach the right doctor. Then he said something that really stayed with me:
‘Sometimes I get scared… what if my wife needs help and I am not able to get her to a doctor on time?’
That sentence made me pause. Because behind every cancer diagnosis, there is a family. A husband trying to stay strong for his wife. A parent trying to protect a child. A caregiver trying to understand medical reports, hospitals, appointments and treatment decisions -while silently dealing with fear, anxiety and uncertainty.
This is where psycho-oncology becomes so important.
Cancer care is not only about treating the disease. It is also about supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of patients and caregivers throughout the journey.
Sometimes, they are not looking for someone to give them all the answers. They just need someone to listen, guide them towards the right resources, and help them take the next step.
This is why patient navigation, caregiver support and psycho-oncology need to be an integral part of cancer care. At Cancer24x7, we cannot replace doctors or hospitals. We cannot promise solutions to every problem.
But we can try to make sure that a patient or caregiver doesn’t feel completely alone while trying to find the right path. Because when someone is already fighting cancer, they shouldn’t have to fight the healthcare system alone.”
This also can be interesting:
The Hidden Burden of Cancer Hospitalization
