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07-Oct-2018
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Arch Hellen Med, 35(5), September-October 2018, 601-611 REVIEW The impact of cancer on patients and their caregivers, and the importance of empowerment M. Andriopoulou,1 D. Charos,2 E. Stergiadi2 |
The experience of a chronic illness, such as cancer, affects patients deeply since the symptoms and consequences of the disease are multiple. The mental balance of oncological patients may be disturbed, because on the one hand they feel that they are losing control of their body, and accordingly the dependence on a caregiver is inevitable, and on the other hand, the prognosis of the disease is uncertain. This is a difficult period for a patient with cancer, as the disease has an impact on the whole family, and the relationships and roles within the family are often changed. The burden on the caregiver is holistic because the work of caring is demanding. Empowerment programs aim to enable patients to regain control of the disease and work towards recovery. The internet can be a cornerstone for patients with neoplasm. Via internet, patients with cancer and their caregivers can join special groups and have access to information concerning the illness.
Key words: Cancer, Caregiver burden, Empowerment, Internet, The role of the family.
