The Psychological Challenges Faced by Cancer Patients in Yemen

Afrah Borji – Sawt Al-Amal (Voice of Hope)

Cancer patients undergo a difficult journey that extends beyond physical pain to encompass profound psychological suffering. They experience fear of the future, anxiety about treatment outcomes, and sometimes feelings of despair and isolation. Emotional and psychological support is a crucial factor that can alleviate these feelings, playing a significant role in improving a patient’s acceptance of the disease and strengthening their will to overcome challenges.

In countries facing economic and health challenges like Yemen, providing psychological support becomes extremely difficult. Patients often lack access to specialized resources to help them cope with the psychological stress associated with the disease. This makes support from family, friends, and even community members vital. A positive psychological state directly contributes to improved quality of life for patients and enhances their response to treatment, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health as part of comprehensive cancer care, especially in resource-constrained communities.

Rashida: A Source of Strength

Numerous scientific studies indicate that psychological support plays a vital role in improving the lives of cancer patients. Studies have shown that about one-third of cancer patients suffer from psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and sleep disorders.

Rashida Muhammad Hammadi, a ninth-grade student, exemplifies perseverance and optimism despite the challenges of her cancer battle. She holds many dreams, striving for success in her studies and personal life, and aspires to be a source of pride for those around her. Despite the pain she endures, she hopes to overcome the disease and return to a normal life.

Rashida wishes for recovery for herself and every patient silently suffering from this disease. She prays for strength and success in her studies to achieve her goals and expresses deep gratitude to everyone who has supported her emotionally during this difficult journey, especially those at the cancer center and her teachers who provided continuous support and encouragement.

She also expresses her appreciation for the significant emotional support she received from her mother and grandfather during her chemotherapy treatment, noting that they were a lifeline, alleviating her suffering and providing unwavering support during each treatment session. They never abandoned her, remaining by her side constantly, giving her strength and encouragement to overcome this difficult phase.

Rashida was diagnosed with cancer at the age of five. At the time, she was too young to understand the meaning of the disease, and the news didn’t significantly impact her; she saw things through the simplicity of childhood.

During treatment, she experienced mixed emotions; sometimes she felt hopeful about recovery, while at other times she thought about the peace of paradise.

Among the most significant psychological challenges Rashida faced was the absence of her father, who abandoned her during her illness and never inquired about her well-being when she needed him most. However, she found full support and care from her mother and grandfather, who gave everything for her, making her feel safe and loved.

The Psychological State of Cancer Patients

High-stress levels significantly impact the patient’s health. Depression increases the risk of recurrence after treatment and reduces adherence to chemotherapy, hindering effective treatment. Depression can also increase pain, making patients feel more pain than expected. Studies confirm that weak social support exacerbates the disease and increases tumor growth. Therefore, psychosocial support is crucial in cancer care; it improves disease progression and increases the chances of recovery and successful treatment.

Clinical psychologist Afnan Muhammad confirms that cancer patients undergo a highly complex psychological experience. The disease presents a challenge that extends beyond physical pain to significant psychological burdens affecting the quality of life and treatment response.

She describes the patients’ psychological state as filled with challenges, including anxiety, fear, depression, and loneliness. Patients often experience an internal struggle between the desire to persevere and continue living, and feelings of despair and exhaustion imposed by the disease and its consequences. This struggle, according to her, requires significant support from family and friends; their presence strengthens the patient’s will and psychological strength to face the disease.

She adds that some patients eventually reach a stage of acceptance and contentment, accepting the disease as part of their daily lives and feeling reassured. This acceptance significantly improves the patient’s psychology, enhancing their ability to cope with pain and reducing psychological suffering. They become more willing to continue their treatment journey with greater strength.

Positive and Negative Effects

Clinical psychologist Ali Al-Husaini affirms that psychological support is crucial for improving the overall condition of a cancer patient. It plays a significant role in enhancing their ability to cope with and overcome the disease’s challenges. He points out that psychological support from family or specialized sessions can have a significant positive impact on the patient’s life.

According to Al-Husaini, when a patient feels psychologically supported, their ability to adapt to and manage the disease’s difficulties increases. This support not only improves their mental state but also reduces anxiety and depression. Additionally, psychological support strengthens the immune system, positively affecting the body’s response to chemotherapy or other treatments.

He indicates that psychological support encourages hope and determination in the patient, improving their quality of life and their ability to gradually resume their social role. Support gives the patient a powerful impetus to persevere, restoring a sense of purpose and the ability to confront the disease.

However, he warns of the negative consequences of lacking psychological support. Patients experiencing increased psychological stress without support may experience deterioration in their physical and mental health. Anxiety and stress weaken the immune system, reducing treatment effectiveness.

He continues, stating that the increasing feelings of isolation and despair can worsen the patient’s overall health and lead to a loss of desire to adhere to treatment, negatively affecting their relationships with family and community.