From diagnosis to remission, cancer can be an incredibly isolating journey. For children with cancer, this isolation may extend to their immediate family and caregivers. While there may be an initial outpouring of support, families may feel they’re walking their path alone.
It’s vital that caregivers prioritize a strong network of social, emotional, and practical support throughout their child’s cancer journey. Studies show that loneliness increases the risk of premature death and the dysregulation of health indicators, like bodily inflammation. In other words, solid social connections mean better chances of recovery. This support is essential not just for the child but for their caregivers, too.
Community and social support play crucial roles in cancer recovery for several reasons:
Dealing with cancer is emotionally overwhelming. A supportive community helps individuals cope with the range of emotions they experience. It’s not uncommon for patients to experience fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and even anger. Supportive people provide a safe space to express feelings, share experiences, and receive empathy from others who have gone through the same thing. Even if they haven’t experienced cancer themselves, social connections are proven to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
Cancer has a nasty habit of isolating patients and caregivers from their social circles. Children can’t attend school normally and may be unable to play with their friends in typical ways. Being part of a supportive community provides a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of loneliness. Parents and caregivers benefit from connections to those who’ve walked this path before. Children feel better equipped to process their feelings when they connect with others who understand their journey. A sense of camaraderie and solidarity is priceless!
Support groups and communities provide valuable resources for patients and their caregivers, from treatment options and managing side effects to navigating the healthcare system and financial aid. When they share their knowledge, experiences, and resources, they empower patients with information to aid their recovery. Today, finding this kind of support is easier than ever. Online groups connect individuals all over the world!
Cancer recovery involves practical challenges, such as transportation to medical appointments, managing household tasks like cleaning and meal prep, and finding reliable healthcare services. Community support offers valuable help, such as organizing transportation, providing meals, and running errands. Alleviating some burdens allows children and their families to focus on their recovery. It helps if families can designate a close friend or extended family member as the “point person” to handle and organize aid.
Interacting with individuals who have successfully recovered from cancer or are in the process of recovery lends inspiration and hope. Seeing others who have overcome similar challenges instills a sense of optimism and belief in one’s ability to recover and lead a fulfilling life after cancer. Kids benefit from these connections in big ways. You’re not comparing, but you’re sharing in the journey that links you together in ways the general population can’t understand.
Being part of a community empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and others. It provides a platform to raise awareness about cancer-related issues, participates in advocacy efforts, and drives positive change in the healthcare system. Even in a care context, patients may be more willing to speak up for themselves and their needs when they feel there’s support behind them.
Cancer recovery is often a long-term process that involves ongoing challenges such as follow-up care, adjusting to physical and emotional changes, and transitioning back to everyday life. Community support provides a network with ongoing support, guidance, and understanding throughout recovery.
People readily lend aid when there’s a diagnosis. Maintaining community and social relationships is much harder the longer cancer treatment lasts. Our children need (and deserve!) intentional outreach every step of the way.
Overall, community and support are key in cancer recovery as they provide the emotional and practical support that improves outcomes for an individual child and carves a path for the ones who come next. You can play ball without a team, and we can’t expect kids to face cancer alone. That’s why we come together – to kick cancer!