22 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / HEALTH The value of Psychosocial Support in the management of cancer –“We all have a role to play” Lovemore Makurirofa (Cancer Association of Zimbabwe THERE is one thing that is common in all the stories/narratives that cancer survivors tell to show their bravery in the fight against cancer -- SUP- PORT. This is true, cancer clients often require a lot of support for them to be able to cope with both the cancer itself and the treatment they receive. Although there are different dimensions of support that can be rendered to a cancer client, today this article focuses on PSYCHOSO- CIAL SUPPORT. Psychosocial support includes mental health counselling, education, group support and many other similar services offered to improve psychological and social wellbeing of those diagnosed of or affected by cancer. These services are usually provided by different types of mental health professionals, spiritualists and cancer survivors themselves. Cancer can affect the entire family (both adults and children) in many ways and as a result, the whole family requires psychosocial support in order to cope with the cancer diagnosis of their family member. Psychosocial support fosters resilience of individuals, families and ultimately communities to deal with cancer and easing resumption of normal life despite a cancer diagnosis. It can be in form of individual counselling, family counsel- ling, group counselling or being part of a cancer support group. The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe and other institutions offer these services for free. If you/your friend/ relative have cancer, you may consider some or all the options of getting psychosocial support. In Zimbabwe, the majority of the cancer clients [80%] seek appropriate treatment very late resulting in less chances of treatment success. This is because the clients take long time to decide what to do when diagnosed of cancer and this unnecessary long decision-making period gives the cancer an opportunity to spread/ metastasize. Remember, cancer at its early stages is not painful so cancer clients might ignore it. However, with proper psychosocial support the person can make an informed decision early and seek appropriate medical attention in time and this will definitely improve the chances of cancer treatment success. Psychosocial support is best provided by families and communities (for example religious institutions). Most of the psychological challenges affecting cancer patients are a result of the failure by a partner or family members to understand the condition of the cancer patients and the truth about the available cancer treatment options. Imagine a situation whereby St Michael’s 24 Hour Accident Emergency & Maternity Clinic (19709 Unit N Shopping Centre Seke Chitungwiza) All times Emergency numbers: 0774 125142, 0734 503518 a woman newly diagnosed of breast cancer is offered mastectomy (removal of one or both of the breast) by the doctor as the best available treatment option and her mother in law and/or her husband disapproves the removal of the breast. Such a situation psychologically affects the patient and is likely to result in delays to seek medical attention. All this militates against the success of the cancer treatment. Cancer treatment success is therefore not only in the hands of the health practitioners such as doctors, oncologists and surgeons but is also determined by the psychological status of the client, which in turn is determined by the family and community (for example churches) support. It is therefore, very important for the family to support Dr Austin Jeans, The Rolf Valley Centre for Sports Medicine CONTACT and collision sport at school is often the source of much anxiety to parents. Due to peer, parental and coach pressures to return to sport as soon as possible, the risk of serious brain injury following an acute concussion is increased. IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT CON- CUSSION Concussion results from direct or indirect bumps, blows or violent rotations to the head or face Concussion is a non-visible brain injury causing temporary disturbance in brain function Concussions are potentially serious injuries Concussions occur comm only in contact sports and 80% of them will resolve in 7-10 days Concussion repeated before recovery can result in worsened concussion, brain injury and even death Concussions can occur in any sport Concussion symptoms can be delayed even occurring hours after injury Concussion is a commonly missed, not diagnosed or simply ignored injury INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CONCUSSION • A player who has sustained a concussion is up to three times more likely to sustain a second concussion in the same season • Children, adolescents and females tend to take longer to recover from concussion • There is currently no known cure for concussion other than physical and mental rest over the required passage of time. • Injuries to the brain are the most common cause of death in sport Correcting some common Concussion Myths MYTH - You can only be concussed in “contact sports”. FACT - Although more likely in contact and collision sports such as rugby, hockey, football and boxing, concussion can occur in many sports eg cycling, cricket, basketball, motorsports, horse riding, water polo and even ballet dancers! the cancer client as this is the most sustainable way of providing psychosocial support. We all have a role to play in strengthening the ability of families and communities to provide love, care and support for those suffering from/ affected by cancer. Experiences of newly diagnosed cancer clients and the resultant effect on cancer management Cancer Support Groups The purpose of a support group is to help people in similar situations share their concerns with each other and learn more about coping and problem-solving. People in a support group can also learn more about their cancer and get new ideas from others. For example, a person who has just been diagnosed with cancer can hear from others about how their children might react, since they have been through this experience. A woman with breast cancer can learn from other women about breast reconstruction. Men with prostate cancer may learn from each other about dealing with the side effects of treatment. The sharing of experiences will enable the client and family to cope and accept the diagnosis and make an informed decision early. It also helps in the reintegration of the client back into the family and community support systems. This is the most sustainable way in helping the client to cope with cancer. Support groups offer an opportunity to share with others who have gone through the same experience and other clients still going through the same treatment MYTH - You need to lose consciousness or memory to have a concussion. FACT - Only about 8% of cases of concussion involve loss of consciousness; Concussion may present in many different ways depending on the area of the brain most affected; these may be obvious signs such as blacking out, vomiting or confusion, or more subtle symptoms such as poor concentration or personality changes. MYTH - A normal X-ray or brain scan means you’re OK and cleared to play. FACT – X-rays, CT scans & MRI scans are not sensitive enough to detect the changes taking place in a concussed brain; most concussions have normal X-rays or scans; you may still have serious injury with a normal scan. MYTH - You’re OK to play once the headache has gone. FACT -The following criteria need to be met to allow return to sport: 1. All symptoms must ha ve c leared. 2. You should have a normal neurological examination. 3. Your computerised brain function tests returned to baseline or within normal limits. 4. You should undergo a sports-specific return to play exercise programme without symptoms recurring MYTH – Protective gear like scrumcaps & gum guards prevent concussion. FACT - There is currently no evidence that the wearing of scrumcaps or use of gum guards play any role in preventing concussion. Scrumcaps do, however, help prevent scalp lacerations and gum guards help to reduce teeth trauma, so they are important protective gear for sport What are the signs and symptoms of an acute concussion? You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or can take days or weeks to appear. If a young player reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek m edical attention right away. Signs Observed by Parents or Guard- August 24 to 30 2014 procedures to strengthen the client’s ability to deal with other people’s negative comments (stigmatisation and discrimination). For More Information Contact: The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe 60 Livingstone Harare (Cnr 6 th Street and Livingstone Avenue) Tel: 04 - 707444 / 705522 Fax: +263 4 707 482 Email: info@cancer.co.zw, Website: www. cancerzimbabwe.org Facebook: The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe “We are committed to cancer prevention and improving the quality of life of patients, their families and communities through timeous, cost effective and evidence based interventions” ‘HEADS UP’ ON CONCUSSION ians Symptoms Reported by Athlete • Appears daz ed or stunned • Headache • Is confused about assignment • Nausea • Forgets plays • Balance problems or dizziness • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent • Double or fuzzy vision • Answers questions slowly • Sensitivity to light or noise • Loses consciousness • Feeling sluggish • Moves clumsily • Feeling foggy or groggy • Shows behaviour or personality changes • Concentration or memory problems • Confusion • Can’t recall events prior to hit • Can’t recall events after hit What should you do if you think your young athlete has a concussion? 1. Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to sports. 2. Keep them out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play until a health care professional says it’s OK. Athletes who return to play too soon—while the brain is still healing—risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime. 3. Tell all of your child’s coaches about any recent concussion. Coaches should know if your child had a recent concussion in ANY sport. Your child’s coaches may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell them. Knowing about the concussion will allow the coach to keep your child from activities that could result in another concussion. 4. Remind your child: It’s better to miss one game than the whole season.
August 24 to 30 2014 THE STANDARD STYLE 23
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