The battle against cancer is not just a physical struggle; it's a psychological one too. While the number of cancer survivors in the United States is on the rise, the mental health challenges they face often go unnoticed and unaddressed. This is the story of Morgan Newman, a cervical cancer survivor, and her journey through the shadows of cancer's impact on her mental health.
Newman's story is a stark reminder that the battle against cancer doesn't end with the treatment. The psychological scars can be just as debilitating as the physical ones. After her diagnosis, Newman found herself grappling with feelings of isolation and fear, struggling to cope with the uncertainty of her future. The financial burden of therapy, coupled with the demands of her full-time job and college courses, made it nearly impossible for her to seek the mental health support she needed.
This is a common struggle for many cancer survivors. According to studies, cancer survivors are more likely to experience anxiety and depression that can last years after treatment. A national survey by Cancer Nation found that about a third of cancer survivors reported anxiety about their cancer coming back and problems with 'not feeling like their old self.' Only 1 in 5 of the surveyed survivors had seen a mental health professional.
The challenge is further exacerbated in rural areas like Iowa, where cancer rates are high and mental health workers are scarce. Iowa has the second-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses, and some of the counties with the highest cancer rates also have the fewest mental health workers. This lack of access to mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges of cancer survivors is a significant barrier to their well-being.
The role of oncology in mental health is crucial. Oncologists often neglect mental health, focusing primarily on physical symptoms. Patricia Ganz, an oncologist and professor at the UCLA School of Public Health, points out that while we know how to give pills and pain medicine, we're not schooled in antidepressants. There's an increasing awareness about the need to screen for psychological distress in cancer patients, but expert-recommended screenings and referrals don't always happen.
The Richard Deming Cancer Center at MercyOne hospital in Des Moines is trying to change this. They've started offering services like counseling, music therapy, and mindfulness to reduce stress for those in and out of treatment. Dr. Richard Deming, the medical director of the clinic, emphasizes the need for a shift in the way doctors treat patients, focusing on the issues they're experiencing rather than just the physical symptoms.
Newman eventually found a therapist who understood her unique struggles, Julie Larson, a Des Moines-based therapist who works with many cancer survivors. Larson's practice is a testament to the importance of specialized mental health support for cancer survivors. She understands the physical and emotional toll of cancer and the different forms of treatment, which is why cancer survivors often seek her out.
In conclusion, the psychological impacts of cancer can be just as devastating as the physical ones. As the number of cancer survivors grows, we must ensure that they have access to the mental health support they need. This requires a shift in the way we approach cancer care, recognizing the importance of mental health in the overall well-being of survivors. Only then can we truly say that we're winning the battle against cancer.
