An NGO, Project Pink Blue focusing on stimulating actions against cancer has expressed concern over the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on patients.
Information about the organisation’s concern is in a statement issued by Mrs Sunshine Chidebe, the Centre Manager, Psychological Support in Abuja on Thursday.
Chidebe quoted the Executive Director of the NGO, Runcie Chidebe, as saying “the diagnosis of cancer and its treatment impacts physically on patients”, adding that such a situation could lead to loss of body parts such as the breast(s), limb and other physical challenges.
He said cancer diagnosis and treatment could also affect the mental well-being of patients negatively.
The executive director said most cancer patients in the country receive bad news from their doctors, surgeon or from diagnostic centres without the presence of any psychological counsellor.
According to him, it is estimated that over 20,000 cancer patients are at risk of severe mental health disorders because of the diagnosis in the country.
He said the mental health disorders may affect treatment and the quality of life, “unfortunately, the mental health needs of people impacted by cancer in Nigeria are often given little attention during and after cancer treatment.
“To mitigate this potential mental health crisis, PPB is set to establish the first Psychological Support Centre (PSC) in Abuja, with funding from Advanced Breast Cancer Global Alliance (ABC Global Alliance), an alliance focusing on improving and extending the lives of women and men living with advanced breast cancer.”
“The PSC will provide a weekly psychotherapeutic clinic led by clinical psychologists for cancer patients at the centre. We will provide a death and grief programme, art therapy, psychological assessment, and personal and group therapy.”
“Others are family therapy, caregivers support, doctor-patient support, wellness and resilience programme, psychological training for healthcare workers, psychological awareness and a virtual psychological support system for patients who live outside Abuja.”
The centre manager also quoted Dr Fatima Cardoso, the President of ABC Global Alliance, as saying “the organisation is proud to support the creation of the first Psychological Support Centre in Abuja.”
Cardoso, who is also the Director of Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre in Portugal, said “cancer patients need to be fully supported both physically and psychologically to be able to overcome the disease.”
Meanwhile, the centre manager says the PSC is to assist cancer patients in the country as over 100,000 people are diagnosed with different forms of cancer every year.
She added that the majority of patients never received any professional psychological support after diagnosis and during treatment.
According to her, this is because there is no dedicated, professional, psychological care or mental health support for cancer patients.
She stated that the PSC is expected to begin accepting cancer patients from May 1, 2022, adding that “the First Lady of Kebbi, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu and Professor of Clinical Psychology, Chioma Asuzu are the co-chairs for the centre’s Steering Committee.
She listed other members of the steering committee as Ayisha Osori, author of Love Does Not Win Elections; Dr Alejandra Platas from ABC Global Alliance, Dr Charles Orjiakor, Dr Nneoma Onyebire, Rev. C. Onyedibe all from the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Others are Alison Simon from Birmingham City University; Dr Nneka Shagaya and Onyes-Amaka Juliet from the National Hospital Abuja.