The Importance of Emotional Support in Cancer Recovery

Written by Elle Sproll

Introduction

There is a reason we get labelled a cancer survivor. It’s because many of us spend the rest of our lives just trying to survive - never really able to put our cancer behind us. Cancer recovery is a long and complex journey, both physically and emotionally. While many focus on the physical aspects of healing, the emotional toll of cancer treatment is just as significant. Having strong emotional support can be a key factor in a successful recovery, not only boosting mental well-being but also aiding the body’s healing process.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Cancer

From diagnosis to treatment, cancer patients face a wide range of emotional challenges. Fear, anxiety, frustration, and sadness are common feelings during this time, and often, these emotions are dismissed or overlooked. However, the emotional experience is just as important as the physical, as it can significantly impact the quality of life and recovery process.

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, no matter what they outwardly show – they feel overwhelmed by the weight of uncertainty. Treatment regimens—whether chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy or immunotherapy—leave a patient feeling physically drained and mentally fatigued, with a whole raft of unbearable side-effects. The emotional toll can worsen if they feel isolated or unsupported, which unfortunately, happens all too often.

The Role of Emotional Support

Emotional support provides cancer patients with the strength they need to navigate this difficult period. It allows them to feel heard, understood, and less alone in their journey. Here’s how emotional support contributes to cancer recovery:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Imagine having finally made it through the horrific side-effects of cancer treatment, only to be constantly worried about your cancer coming back. This is the reality for over 80% of cancer patients. Constant worry about the future heightens stress levels, which negatively impacts the immune system. Genuine emotional support from loved ones, specialists or support groups can lower anxiety and help patients feel calmer, which in turn aids the body’s healing process.

2. Boosts Mental Health

Depression and feelings of hopelessness are common among cancer patients. Having a network of emotionally supportive people can prevent the development of mental health issues and promote a more positive outlook on recovery.Whilst well intentioned, telling cancer patients it’s over, and it’s time to move on is quite possibly one of the most insensitive, dismissive things people can say. Instead, acknowledging what they have been through - and importantly, are still going through with compassion and support, will help boost mental health.

3. Fosters a Sense of Normalcy

A cancer diagnosis completely throws your world upside down. Coupled with the horrifying physical, mental and emotional side-effects of treatment and the schedule of medical appointments that become a full-time job in itself - cancer treatment completely disrupts a person’s life. With emotional support, individuals can feel that they are still part of their communities and that they matter. This connection to the outside world - not just the medical world - can bring a sense of normalcy, which is crucial for emotional well-being.

4. Encourages Open Communication

I constantly hear cancer survivors say they would rather pretend everything is ok than express how they’re feeling due to fear of burdening others. Imagine the load of carrying all of that fear, worry and grief without an outlet to release it. A supportive environment creates a safe space for individuals to communicate their emotions and concerns without judgment, ultimately promoting emotional healing.

5. Improves Coping Strategies

Having someone to talk to during difficult moments helps patients develop healthy coping mechanisms. Whether through mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, shifting mindset or simply venting their frustrations, emotionally supported individuals are more likely to find ways to cope with the emotional challenges of cancer recovery.

Practical Ways to Offer Emotional Support

If you are a loved one of someone recovering from cancer, offering emotional support can be challenging if you don’t know where to start. Here are some practical ways to provide that much-needed support:

• Be present: Sometimes, just being there for someone—whether in silence or conversation—can be incredibly comforting.

• Acknowledge what they’re going through. Whilst you may think it’s helping them be positive and optimistic, it can leave survivors feeling dismissed and even more isolated

• Listen without judgment: Allow your loved one to express their feelings openly. Avoid offering advice or solutions unless they ask for it, and resist the urge to downplay their experience.

• Encourage professional help: If emotional struggles persist, suggest speaking with a psychologist, cancer health coach, or joining a support group for cancer patients.

• Offer practical help: Take care of everyday tasks (like grocery shopping, driving them to appointments, cleaning, or childcare) to reduce stress and give your loved one space to focus on their recovery.

The Bottom Line

The physical journey through cancer recovery is undoubtedly challenging, but the emotional aspect cannot be overlooked. Emotional support from loved ones, caregivers, or support groups is just as essential as the physical treatment that heals the body. It helps manage stress, improves mental health, fosters resilience, and contributes to an overall more fulfilling recovery experience.

If you're navigating your cancer recovery journey or know someone who is, remember: you don’t have to do it alone. Emotional support is a powerful tool in healing, and it can make a world of difference during this difficult time.