The Experience of Advanced Stage Cancer Patients in Finding Treatment in the City of Medan

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 19 views

The Experience of Advanced Stage Cancer Patients in Finding Treatment in the City of Medan

Introduction

Cancer is a serious health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. In Indonesia, cancer is one of the leading causes of death, and the city of Medan is no exception. Many patients in Medan face a delay in handling their cancer, often due to complementary treatment and non-appropriate alternatives. This study aims to explore the experience of advanced stage cancer patients in finding appropriate treatment in Medan.

Background

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. However, many patients in Medan face a delay in seeking medical treatment, often due to a lack of education and information about cancer and its treatment options. This delay can lead to a poorer prognosis and reduced chances of survival. Therefore, it is essential to understand the experiences of advanced stage cancer patients in finding treatment in Medan.

Methodology

This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenological design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 cancer patients in two hospitals in Medan, namely H. Adam Malik Hospital and Murni Teguh Hospital. The interviews were conducted to gather data about the patients' experiences and perceptions of finding treatment in Medan.

Results

The results of this study showed six main themes that reflect patient experience. These themes are:

Theme 1: Choosing Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Many patients in Medan choose complementary and alternative medicine (Complementary and Alternative Medicine/Cam) rather than medical treatment. This decision is usually taken because of distrust of the effectiveness of medical treatment, which is often influenced by information obtained from the surrounding environment, such as family or friends. For example, one patient stated, "I chose to try traditional medicine because my friend's mother was cured of cancer using it."

Theme 2: Seeking Medical Treatment as a Last Resort

Patients generally seek medical treatment as a last step, after going through various alternatives that are considered inadequate. This is often due to a lack of education and information about cancer and its treatment options. For example, one patient stated, "I tried traditional medicine for a year before I finally went to the hospital. I didn't know that cancer could be treated with chemotherapy and radiation."

Theme 3: Integrating Complementary Therapy

Patients tend to integrate complementary therapy as additional support for medical treatment. This shows the understanding that traditional or alternative medicine can provide benefits, although still following the recommended medical therapy. For example, one patient stated, "I take traditional medicine to help with my side effects from chemotherapy. It makes me feel better."

Theme 4: Influencing Factors

Patient decisions are often influenced by external sources, both information from social media, doctors, or the experiences of others. For example, one patient stated, "I saw a post on social media about a person who was cured of cancer using traditional medicine. I thought it was worth trying."

Theme 5: Coping with Negative Feelings

To overcome the negative feelings and anxiety that arises due to disease, many patients choose to surrender to God as a form of escape from the problems encountered. For example, one patient stated, "I pray to God to help me through this difficult time. It gives me peace and comfort."

Theme 6: Lack of Involvement of Basic Health Services

The lack of involvement of basic health services is a separate obstacle in the process of searching for the right handling. The lack of education and information provided to patients has the potential to make them more vulnerable to choosing inappropriate treatment pathways. For example, one patient stated, "I didn't know that I had cancer until it was too late. If I had known earlier, I might have been able to get treatment sooner."

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of the role of nurses and health workers in providing appropriate education related to complementary and alternative treatments for cancer patients. Good education will help patients understand the risks and benefits of each type of treatment available, so they can make more informed decisions and are oriented towards better health results. With the right approach, it is expected that cancer patients can minimize delays in handling and obtaining treatment in accordance with their conditions.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of advanced stage cancer patients in finding treatment in Medan. The findings highlight the importance of education and information in helping patients make informed decisions about their treatment. Nurses and health workers play a crucial role in providing this education and support, and it is essential that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to do so effectively.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Nurses and health workers should provide education and information to cancer patients about the risks and benefits of each type of treatment available.
Patients should be encouraged to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, rather than trying alternative treatments first.
The role of social media and other external sources in influencing patient decisions should be acknowledged and addressed.
Patients should be supported in coping with negative feelings and anxiety through counseling and other forms of support.
Basic health services should be more involved in the process of searching for the right handling, and patients should be provided with education and information about cancer and its treatment options.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was small, and the study was conducted in only two hospitals in Medan. Secondly, the study was conducted using a qualitative approach, which may not be generalizable to other populations. Finally, the study did not explore the experiences of patients who had undergone treatment in other hospitals or clinics.

Future Research

Future research should aim to explore the experiences of cancer patients in other hospitals and clinics, and to investigate the effectiveness of education and information in helping patients make informed decisions about their treatment. Additionally, research should be conducted to explore the role of social media and other external sources in influencing patient decisions, and to develop strategies for supporting patients in coping with negative feelings and anxiety.
Q&A: The Experience of Advanced Stage Cancer Patients in Finding Treatment in the City of Medan

Q: What is the main problem faced by cancer patients in Medan?

A: The main problem faced by cancer patients in Medan is the delay in seeking medical treatment, often due to a lack of education and information about cancer and its treatment options.

Q: Why do cancer patients in Medan choose complementary and alternative medicine?

A: Cancer patients in Medan choose complementary and alternative medicine (Complementary and Alternative Medicine/Cam) rather than medical treatment due to distrust of the effectiveness of medical treatment, which is often influenced by information obtained from the surrounding environment, such as family or friends.

Q: What is the role of nurses and health workers in providing education and information to cancer patients?

A: Nurses and health workers play a crucial role in providing education and information to cancer patients about the risks and benefits of each type of treatment available. Good education will help patients understand the risks and benefits of each type of treatment available, so they can make more informed decisions and are oriented towards better health results.

Q: How can patients be supported in coping with negative feelings and anxiety?

A: Patients can be supported in coping with negative feelings and anxiety through counseling and other forms of support. Nurses and health workers can provide emotional support and help patients develop coping strategies to manage their anxiety and negative feelings.

Q: What is the importance of basic health services in the process of searching for the right handling?

A: Basic health services play a crucial role in the process of searching for the right handling. They should be more involved in the process of searching for the right handling, and patients should be provided with education and information about cancer and its treatment options.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was small, and the study was conducted in only two hospitals in Medan. Secondly, the study was conducted using a qualitative approach, which may not be generalizable to other populations. Finally, the study did not explore the experiences of patients who had undergone treatment in other hospitals or clinics.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future research should aim to explore the experiences of cancer patients in other hospitals and clinics, and to investigate the effectiveness of education and information in helping patients make informed decisions about their treatment. Additionally, research should be conducted to explore the role of social media and other external sources in influencing patient decisions, and to develop strategies for supporting patients in coping with negative feelings and anxiety.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of advanced stage cancer patients in finding treatment in Medan. The findings highlight the importance of education and information in helping patients make informed decisions about their treatment. Nurses and health workers play a crucial role in providing this education and support, and it is essential that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to do so effectively.

Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare providers?

A: The findings of this study have implications for healthcare providers in Medan. They should provide education and information to cancer patients about the risks and benefits of each type of treatment available. They should also be aware of the role of social media and other external sources in influencing patient decisions, and develop strategies for supporting patients in coping with negative feelings and anxiety.

Q: What are the implications of this study for patients and their families?

A: The findings of this study have implications for patients and their families in Medan. They should be aware of the importance of seeking medical treatment as soon as possible, and be provided with education and information about cancer and its treatment options. They should also be supported in coping with negative feelings and anxiety through counseling and other forms of support.