Addressing the Psychological Needs of Cancer Survivors and their Caregivers: During Treatment and Beyond

Kalani, Jayantika; Saini, Deepak; Singh, Mayank; Prasad, Chandra Prakash; Sahni, Vaibhav; Gosain, Prerna; Raj, Neeti; Mari, Priyadharshini; Bharti, Sachidanand Jee; Roy, Shubham; Shankar, Abhishek

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.4.1101

Addressing the Psychological Needs of Cancer Survivors and their Caregivers: During Treatment and Beyond

Document Type : Editorials

Authors

¹ Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India.

² Department of Medical Oncology Lab, Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India.

³ Department of Onco-Anesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India.

⁴ Shining Stars Child Development Center, Delhi, India.

10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.4.1101

Abstract

Cancer survivors and their caregivers face significant psychological challenges, both during treatment and in the years following recovery. The emotional toll of cancer, like fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and depression, can profoundly affect the quality of life for both survivors and caregivers. During treatment, survivors often experience emotional distress due to physical changes, treatment side effects, and fear of disease recurrence. Caregivers, too, bear emotional and psychological burdens, juggling their caregiving roles with personal responsibilities. Both groups may experience burnout, helplessness, and anxiety, necessitating structured psychological interventions such as counseling, peer support groups, and stress management techniques. Post-treatment, survivors continue to face unique challenges related to reintegrating into daily life, managing the fear of recurrence, and coping with long-term side effects, whereas caregivers may struggle to adjust to a changed dynamic. A comprehensive approach, including psycho-oncology services, mindfulness-based therapies, and resilience-building programs, will help to mitigate these challenges, improve their quality of life, and foster long-term emotional well-being.

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