Play therapy: An effective approach to reduce anxiety in children with cancer

Abstract

Cancer poses a significant challenge to public health worldwide and ranks as the second most common cause of death in children. Approximately 300,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed among children aged 0 to 19 every year [1]. The incidence of childhood cancer is increasing all over the world. A cancer diagnosis can cause serious psychological problems because cancer and admission to the hospital increase the feeling of pain, anxiety, and fear of death [2]. Children diagnosed with cancer often experience severe and persistent anxiety, which can have long-term effects on their well-being. The stress of being hospitalized, coupled with the limited understanding of their illness by medical professionals, the lack of effective coping strategies, and the pain resulting from invasive procedures and treatment regimens, all contribute to the anxiety experienced by these young patients [3]. Intense anxiety has the potential to impede the progression of treatment, heighten susceptibility to infections, and protract the recovery period, ultimately impacting the efficacy of cancer therapy and diminishing patient contentment [4]. Among the psychological interventions that can affect and reduce the psychological symptoms of physical diseases, we can mention play therapy.