Abstract
Social support is regarded as a complex construct which has long been suggested to have direct and buffering effects on patients' wellbeing and emotional adjustment to cancer. Cross-sectional and prospective studies show a positive association between perceived social support and psychological adjustment following cancer treatment. Research findings suggest that the evidence for the relationship between social support and cancer progression is sufficiently strong. This report points out the importance of social support in cancer and provides recommendations for health care professionals.
Highlights
Cancer affects patients’ lives and those of their families in different ways
It is important that all health care professionals as well as nurses better understand the need for social support and statement of functional status for cancer patients in attempt to improve clinical interventions and care
Research suggests that social support has an impact on physical health, well-being and adjustment to cancer of cancer patients (Hann et al, 2002; Parker et al, 2003; Ashing et al, 2004; Kartoğlu and Saraçoğlu, 2005)
Summary
Cancer diagnosis and treatment brings about changes in patients’ personal paths of life, in their daily activities, work, relationships, and family roles, and it is associated with a high level of patient psychological stress (Zabalegui et al, 2005). A support system includes formal and informal relationships and groups They may provide an individual with cognitive (information, advice, and knowledge), emotional (security, love, and comfort), and material (services that help practical problems) supports required to overcome stressful experiences (Caplan, 1974). This is important for good psychological functioning during diagnosis and treatment, and many patients experience a strong need for support and reassurance (Krishnasamy, 1996). Interactions with staff, including doctors, clinic nurses, and specialist nurses, and the social world of cancer clinics play a valuable role in the provision of support (Dunkel-Schetter and Wortman ,1982; Costain and Hewison,1999) and frequently, patients form valuable relationships with those involved in their care (Clarke et al.,2006)
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