Quality of Life of the Relatives Who Take Care of a Cancer Patient

Abstract

Among the common diseases in the society, cancer is the second important disease threatening the family structure and its function and causing death, in Turkey and many other countries. Cancer patients may be in need of a psycho-social support in order to adjust to the disease. The family is also a very important social support system for cancer patients. There will be more positive senses to cope with the disease, the quality of life will increase and there will be an increase in the rate of survival together with the frequency and intensity of this support. The family must be healthy and capable in achieving to be a social support for their patient. When the patient can not accomplish several of his duties because of cancer, the other family members may undertake these tasks and thus the roles may change between the family members. While the cancer is advancing and becoming chronic, the effects of cancer on patient and their family increase over time and eventually it adversely affects the entire family including the lifestyle and expectation of patient. These conditions can cause that the family members’ quality of life may be adversely affected and at the same time some other stressors can arise in their life. If the family members can not receive sufficient support and assistance, they may be unable to cope with stressors that occurred by disease, they may feel hopeless, helpless, alone and anxious; and this may adversely affect their quality of life.