In childhood cancers, dealing with the psychological problems encountered is as important as the treatment of the disease.
Stating that this period is a long and tiring journey for families, experts emphasize the importance of communication within the family and say, "Never blame yourself. Protect your child but do not prevent him/her from socializing".
Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases Specialist from Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital, Specialist. Dr. Başak Ayık stated that childhood cancers seen in children between the ages of 0-18 are only 1.2% of all cancer types and said, "Although it can be seen at any age from the newborn period to adolescence, the most common period is the first 5 years. Every year, 3 thousand children in Turkey and 175 thousand children in the world are diagnosed with cancer. In childhood cancers, approximately 60-70 percent recovery can be achieved with early diagnosis and correct treatment."
Stating that psychosocial problems are generally mentioned in more than half of the patients in studies conducted with children with cancer, Dr. Başak Ayık said, "The most commonly detected problems are separation anxiety, fear of school, adjustment disorders, non-compliance with treatment, oppositional behaviors towards family members and treatment team and treatment refusal. Different psychiatric problems were found to occur at different stages of treatment."
PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN EACH PERIOD ARE DIFFERENT
Stating that the reaction of children to cancer varies according to age groups, Dr. Ayık listed these periods and reactions as follows:
"In infancy; they experience fear due to painful medical procedures, they react to separation from their mother and change in their routine. Eating and sleeping irregularities, crying, infant depression can be seen. There may be regression in skills such as toilet training and nutrition that they have acquired until that day.
In the preschool period, magical thinking is dominant, the child cannot fully understand the disease and thinks that he/she is being punished for a crime he/she has committed. However, if the disease is explained in a language appropriate to the child's developmental level, the child can understand it to a great extent.
During the school period; children's mental development is better in this period. They better understand the concepts of disease, its causes, treatment and prognosis. Therefore, they have a right to know the name of the disease, treatment, possible side effects and prognosis. These children frequently express themes of anxiety, depression, feelings of loneliness, separation and death in their stories. As the child stays away from school and friends, he/she may feel unhappy and depressed and may withdraw into himself/herself.
During adolescence; in this period, the child can now understand the disease as in adulthood. He/she is curious about the disease and starts to collect information from many sources about the causes and consequences of the disease. He/she starts to worry about the future and is disturbed by the changes in his/her body due to the disease and the side effects of the medications. He/she may experience floundering due to loss of independence, deterioration of peer relations and sexual development being affected.
LISTEN TO THESE SUGGESTIONS DURING THE LONG AND DIFFICULT JOURNEY
Stating that families are also going through a difficult period during this period, Dr. Başak Ayık stated that the treatment process of childhood cancers is a long and tiring journey that can cause both physical and mental difficulties and gave the following advice:
"The first thing to do to make this journey as good as possible is to accept the current situation in its entirety as quickly as possible. Although denial is one of the first emotional reactions given during the mourning period, in order to overcome any negative event that happens to a person, they must first come to the stage of acceptance.
After the acceptance stage, request as much information from your physician as you can carry mentally and repeat this request as needed throughout the process. Having accurate and sufficient information will help keep you away from anxiety and fear caused by uncertainty.
NEVER BLAME YOURSELF
Parents of children with cancer often blame themselves for their child's illness. This 'guilt', which has no real basis, can lead you into depression and make your existing problems even more difficult. Do not blame yourself or your partner for causing the illness.
COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION WITHIN THE FAMILY IS IMPORTANT
Prolonged hospitalizations negatively affect family dynamics. Domestic roles change, the parent caring for the sick child has no time for anything else and may feel that they are neglecting all other family members, including themselves, while the other parent may experience intense feelings of guilt as the one who is not the primary caregiver of the sick child. Communicate and cooperate with your partner to reduce or eliminate these negative effects. Support each other.
PROTECT BUT DO NOT PREVENT SOCIALIZATION
Even if your need to protect your child increases, try to maintain his/her social life as much as possible, taking the precautions recommended by the doctor to protect him/her from infection. Remember that cancer is not a contagious disease! Do not keep him away from his friends and siblings during this period when he needs social support the most. Try not to change their daily routines.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT IS A MUST
Instead of accepting all your child's reactions as 'normal', seek professional support for them and for yourself when necessary. Children are like a mirror of their parents. Depression and anxiety experienced by parents are also reflected in children."