Psychological support of esophageal cancer patient?

Abstract

Important questions are still open about psychological aspects in esophageal cancer (EC) and about the related psychological support. How to cope with the cancer diagnosis and poor prognosis: a psychological counselling may be a valid option to personalize the communication to patients with a poor prognosis. How to cope with long chemoradiotherapy: after neoadjuvant therapy, patients know that curative process is not completed, and they perceive the severity of the neoadjuvant side effects, considering themselves "fragile" and far from a healthy condition before the major surgery they are going to undergo. Therefore, this is a particularly crucial point when psychological support may be useful. How to cope with change of nutritional habits: esophagectomy for cancer strongly impairs nutritional function in the early postoperative period and feeding Jejunostomy impairs emotional function. How to cope with sleep disturbances: most cancer patients report disturbed sleep after cancer diagnosis and/or following cancer treatment. Psychological intervention aims to identify underlying concerns worsening sleep quality. How to cope with postoperative complications: the occurrence of such complications reduces patient's satisfaction and has a negative effect on doctor-patient relationship. How to cope with long-term functions impairment: EC patients need a plan for the future.

Development and Feasibility of a Mobile Health–Supported Comprehensive Intervention Model (CIMmH) for Improving the Quality of Life of Patients With Esophageal Cancer After Esophagectomy: Prospective, Single-Arm, Nonrandomized Pilot Study

“…Another reason might be that there was insufficient emphasis on the importance of mental health at the beginning of the program. Mental health is an important problem in patients with esophageal cancer, as many of these patients experience depressive symptoms and anxiety after surgery [ 53 , 55 ]. Future interventions should emphasize the importance of mental health issues and educate patients to pay attention to their mental wellness after surgery.…”

The multidisciplinary, theory-based co-design of a new digital health intervention supporting the care of oesophageal cancer patients

“…1 Most others undergo combinations of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endoscopy with curative or palliative intent for relieving symptoms. [9][10][11] These patients also have complex needs that require support. [9][10][11] Guidelines on caring for patients with cancer emphasise the need for a holistic approach that addresses patientspecific needs and improving patients' quality of life at all stages of the patient pathway.…”

“…Patients may undergo extensive, life-changing surgery with high postoperative morbidity. 9 They often require extensive support for nutritional needs after their surgery but also have complex psychological, emotional, spiritual and social needs. 10 However, surgical resection with curative intent, where surgery is performed to fully remove all cancerous tissue, is only appropriate for 19% of patients at diagnosis.…”

The Pathways to Seeking Treatment, Diagnose and Follow Up of Esophageal Cancer Patients in Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: Qualitative Phenomenological Study

“…Esophageal cancer(EC) patients often experience several gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (1), undergo invasive investigations, suffer from fear of being diagnosed with cancer (2). Furthermore, studies demonstrated multifaceted challenges including reduced physical activity, economic constraints(2, 3), loss of appetite, anxiety, and depression (4).…”