The battle against cancer is not just a physical struggle; it's a psychological one too. While the number of cancer survivors in America 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. Her experience highlights a critical issue: the psychological aftermath of cancer that lingers long after treatment ends.
The Shock of Diagnosis
Morgan Newman's life was on track. She was a dental assistant, working towards becoming a social worker, and had recently moved into her first apartment. But everything changed when she received an abnormal Pap smear result. The initial shock and fear were amplified by the fact that her friends had also experienced similar concerns, which turned out to be false alarms. Yet, something felt different this time. During the follow-up exam, the bleeding was so severe that the procedure had to be stopped, and she was referred to a gynecologic oncologist. It was then that she learned she had cervical cancer.
The Treatment and Its Side Effects
Newman's treatment involved six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Her scans were clear until the three-month mark when suspicious nodules in her lungs were discovered. She endured additional chemotherapy, which had more side effects. Physically, it was exhausting, but the psychological toll was even greater. She watched her friends move forward in their lives, getting married, having children, and progressing in their careers, while she felt stuck.
The Financial and Emotional Struggles
Therapy, which Newman had done before for anxiety and depression, became unaffordable due to the medical bills. With a full-time job, college courses, and doctor's appointments, she simply didn't have the time. After her treatment ended and the scans remained clear, she decided to go back to therapy in 2017 when she got a job with better health benefits. However, the fear of cancer reoccurring and the lingering effects of treatment, such as infertility, continued to weigh on her.
The Psychological Impact of Cancer
Studies show that 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. This highlights the need for more mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges of cancer survivors.
The Role of Oncology in Mental Health
Patricia Ganz, an oncologist and professor at the UCLA School of Public Health, points out that the field of oncology often neglects mental health. While they know how to manage physical symptoms, they are not adequately schooled in antidepressants. There is an increasing awareness about the need to screen for psychological distress in cancer patients, but expert-recommended screenings and referrals don't always happen to the extent they should.
The Need for Comprehensive Care
The Richard Deming Cancer Center at MercyOne hospital in Des Moines is trying to address the mental health of patients and survivors by offering services like counseling, music therapy, and mindfulness. Dr. Richard Deming, the medical director, 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.
The Way Forward
Newman's story is a stark reminder that the battle against cancer is not just a physical one. It's a psychological one too. The need for comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and mental health of cancer survivors is clear. As the number of cancer survivors grows, so does the need for more mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges they face. It's time for the field of oncology to take a more holistic approach to cancer care, recognizing that the battle against cancer is won not just by eliminating the disease, but by supporting the survivors in their journey towards healing and recovery.
