New Delhi, June 8 (UNI) At first, we were focused only on the chemotherapy,” recalled Lakshmi (name changed), the mother of a 9-year-old leukaemia survivor.
“But then my son started having nightmares, began dreading the hospital, and was scared of the treatment.” She shared that it wasn’t the medicines alone that brought him back—it was the counselling sessions. “He began to laugh again, talk about his fears, and now he's back in school. The physiological therapy we received saved our family.”
Lakshmi’s child was fortunate to get the right psychosocial help at the right time. A recent study titled ‘Psychosocial issues faced by children with cancer: Lessons learnt from a tertiary care centre in South India’ conducted at the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, has shed light on the significant yet often overlooked psychosocial issues faced by children with cancer.
Conducted by Dr. Sheena Shajan and colleagues from the Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Unit of the premier hospital, the study examined over 200 paediatric cancer patients and revealed critical insights into their emotional and psychological well-being during and after cancer treatment.
The retrospective analysis categorised psychosocial issues into four domains: academic-related (44%), treatment-related (29%), disease-related (19%), and interpersonal relationship issues (1%). Notably, 7% of children experienced concerns across all domains.
“This study highlights that while survival rates in paediatric cancer have improved, the quality of life and mental health of survivors need equal attention,” said Dr. Hema N Srinivasan, co-author and paediatric psycho-oncologist at CMC.
“Many children struggle silently with school reintegration, body image, hospital-related anxieties, and fear of recurrence.”
The authors found that older children above 13 years primarily faced academic-related stress while younger children under 7 years exhibited treatment-related behavioural challenges.
Psychotherapy alone was effective for most, with only 7% requiring psychiatric medication. At the same time, 43% received prolonged psychotherapy, incorporating age-appropriate strategies such as play therapy and cognitive-behavioural techniques.
The study emphasises the need for integrated psychosocial support as part of routine paediatric oncology care, especially within India’s cultural context.
“This research serves as a call to action for healthcare systems to invest in psycho-oncology services,” added Dr. Rikki R. John from the institute. “Addressing these invisible wounds is crucial for holistic healing.”
Among others who conducted the study were Dr Leenu L Joseph, Dr Deepthi Boddu, Dr Leni G Mathew and Dr Sidharth Totadri. The study is published in the Indian Journal of Cancer.
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