Childhood cancer survivors: Expert tips on how to cope emotionally, fight anxiety, relapse fear

A childhood cancer diagnosis is often a heartbreaking ordeal for families, unleashing a torrent of emotions and uncertainties. While it's encouraging to know that many childhood cancers are curable, the journey is not without its challenges. Children and their families undergo significant and sudden changes, leading to long-lasting psychosocial impacts that can affect them well beyond the treatment phase.

The emotional toll can manifest in various ways, often silently, but the effects are deeply felt, says Dr Vinay Munikoty Venkatesh, a Consultant in Pediatric Hematology Oncology and BMT at Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur. “The emotional fallout from a cancer diagnosis can be insidious. Children may not outwardly express their feelings of anxiety or fear, yet signs can surface in subtle ways,” he adds.

Parents might notice a once-enthusiastic child now retreating into themselves, avoiding activities they once loved, or struggling to focus on schoolwork. “Children may experience mood swings, ranging from irritability to prolonged sadness, which can be distressing for both the child and their caregivers. These shifts are not merely phases but rather signals that they may be grappling with feelings of inferiority or anxiety about their future,” says Dr Venkatesh.

Here are 5 challenges childhood cancer survivors and their families face, according to Dr Venkatesh:

• Acute distress and anxiety: Receiving a cancer diagnosis can lead to significant emotional turmoil for both the child and their family. Parents often experience acute distress and anxiety about their child's health, treatment outcomes, and the future, creating a heavy emotional burden.

• Educational disruptions: During treatment, children frequently miss out on essential educational opportunities. extended absences from school can hinder their academic progress and limit their social interactions, making it difficult to maintain friendships and engage in normal childhood experiences.

• Physical and emotional toll of treatment: Hospital visits and medical procedures can become routine, but the physical and emotional stress associated with them can lead to lasting psychological effects. repeated hospitalisations may cause children to develop a sense of fear and anxiety surrounding medical environments.

• Fear of relapse: Even after treatment, the fear of cancer returning can loom large. this anxiety complicates the transition back to everyday family life, as survivors and their families grapple with the uncertainty of the future and the potential for a relapse.

• Long-term psychological effects: Childhood cancer survivors may experience long-term psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. Some may face issues such as low academic achievement, employment difficulties, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting not just the survivors but also their families and broader communities.

Drawing attention to the need to address emotional challenges, Dr Venkatesh says, “Supporting childhood cancer survivors goes beyond just physical healing. It’s essential to focus on their emotional and psychological well-being as well. Care should involve the child, family, and community, making sure no one feels alone in their journey.”

Tackling the challenges:

• Engage in regular counseling: Parents and caregivers should regularly consult with doctors and healthcare teams to understand their child's treatment and emotional needs.

• Create a nurturing environment: Encourage a safe space for children to express their feelings and engage in activities that enhance both physical and psychological well-being.

• Involve experts: A child-friendly environment, alongside psychological assessments and support from a multidisciplinary team, can significantly enhance coping mechanisms during treatment.

• Promote community involvement: The community should actively welcome childhood cancer survivors back by providing vocational and social opportunities.

• Support for a fulfilling future: With the right support, cured children can lead productive lives similar to their peers, paving the way for a successful reintegration into society.