Understanding the Importance of Health in Human Life

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 9 views

Understanding the Importance of Health in Human Life

Health is the most important aspect in human life, and one of the significant health challenges is changes in disease patterns, especially with the high incidence of cancer, especially breast cancer. According to the data presented by Globocan, there were 68,858 cases of breast cancer in Indonesia in 2020. In Medan itself, there were 824 cases of breast cancer recorded in 2021. The diagnosis of breast cancer not only has physical impacts but also significant psychological impacts, such as fear, rejection, and self-isolation. Therefore, psychosocial adjustment is very necessary for patients who undergo therapy and require support from their companions.

The Role of Family Support in Psychosocial Adjustment

Family support is the key in this process, because individuals diagnosed with cancer should not face these conditions alone. They need the presence of loved ones to accompany and encourage. This is where the role of social health workers is very important in accompanying breast cancer patients through a process of diagnosis and treatment, and helps overcome psychosocial issues that arise. Social health workers play a crucial role in providing emotional support, guidance, and resources to patients and their families, which can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis.

The Importance of Social Health Workers in Accompanying Breast Cancer Patients

Social health workers are trained professionals who provide emotional support, guidance, and resources to patients and their families. They can help patients navigate the healthcare system, provide education on cancer treatment and management, and connect patients with community resources and support services. Social health workers can also provide emotional support and counseling to patients and their families, which can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis.

The Study Methodology

This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method involving four breast cancer patients in the Sapkandara movement community in Medan. Data collection techniques include primary data obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation, as well as secondary data from journals, books, and internet sources. The results showed that psychosocial adjustments for post-therapy and mentoring breast cancer patients are essential.

The Diagnosis of Breast Cancer and its Impact on Patients

The diagnosis of breast cancer presents a big challenge for patients, triggers psychosocial turmoil that affects their psychological and social conditions. After undergoing various therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and alternative medicine, patients experience significant physical and psychological changes, including fatigue, hair loss, stress, and emotional instability. Socially, patients tend to withdraw from the environment and only open themselves to the closest people. This psychosocial adjustment process requires different time, depending on the patient's understanding of the disease suffered and support from the family.

Coping Mechanisms Applied by Patients

Coping mechanisms applied by patients include general coping strategies such as coping that focus on emotions, which aims to control emotions through storytelling, praying, and carrying out positive activities. In addition, there are three types of assistance that can be given: existential, functional, and professional. Of the three types of assistance, existential assistance originating from the family is the most visible for patients. However, functional assistance, such as from a doctor, only occurs in hospitals, and currently there is no form of assistance from integrated medical social workers.

The Role of Communities in Providing Support to Breast Cancer Patients

Therefore, communities such as Sapkandara have emerged to fill this emptiness by providing comprehensive support. These support includes providing information, assistance when in hospitals, as well as moral and emotional support that is needed by patients. With this community, it is expected that breast cancer patients can undergo a better recovery process, not only in terms of physical but also psychosocial. Through joint efforts, it is hoped that patients can feel stronger and not alone in facing this challenging journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, psychosocial adjustment is very necessary for patients who undergo therapy and require support from their companions. Family support is the key in this process, and social health workers play a crucial role in accompanying breast cancer patients through a process of diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of breast cancer presents a big challenge for patients, triggers psychosocial turmoil that affects their psychological and social conditions. Coping mechanisms applied by patients include general coping strategies such as coping that focus on emotions, and three types of assistance that can be given: existential, functional, and professional. Communities such as Sapkandara have emerged to fill the emptiness by providing comprehensive support, including providing information, assistance when in hospitals, as well as moral and emotional support that is needed by patients.

Recommendations

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

Increase the role of social health workers: Social health workers play a crucial role in accompanying breast cancer patients through a process of diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that the role of social health workers be increased to provide more comprehensive support to breast cancer patients.
Provide comprehensive support to breast cancer patients: Communities such as Sapkandara have emerged to fill the emptiness by providing comprehensive support to breast cancer patients. Therefore, it is recommended that more communities be established to provide comprehensive support to breast cancer patients.
Increase awareness about breast cancer: Breast cancer is a significant health challenge in Indonesia, and awareness about breast cancer is essential to prevent and detect breast cancer early. Therefore, it is recommended that awareness about breast cancer be increased through various channels, including media, education, and community outreach programs.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study only involved four breast cancer patients, which may not be representative of the larger population of breast cancer patients.
Qualitative approach: The study used a qualitative approach, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial adjustment process of breast cancer patients.
Limited data collection: The study only collected data from four breast cancer patients, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial adjustment process of breast cancer patients.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Quantitative study: A quantitative study can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial adjustment process of breast cancer patients.
Large sample size: A larger sample size can provide a more representative understanding of the psychosocial adjustment process of breast cancer patients.
Longitudinal study: A longitudinal study can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial adjustment process of breast cancer patients over time.

Q: What is psychosocial adjustment?

A: Psychosocial adjustment refers to the process of adapting to a new situation or condition, such as a cancer diagnosis, and managing the emotional and social impacts of that situation.

Q: Why is psychosocial adjustment important for breast cancer patients?

A: Psychosocial adjustment is important for breast cancer patients because it can help them manage the emotional and social impacts of their diagnosis and treatment, which can affect their quality of life and overall well-being.

Q: What are some common challenges faced by breast cancer patients during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Some common challenges faced by breast cancer patients during the psychosocial adjustment process include fear, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and relationship problems.

Q: How can family and friends support breast cancer patients during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Family and friends can support breast cancer patients during the psychosocial adjustment process by providing emotional support, practical help, and connecting them with resources and services that can help them manage their diagnosis and treatment.

Q: What is the role of social health workers in supporting breast cancer patients during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Social health workers play a crucial role in supporting breast cancer patients during the psychosocial adjustment process by providing emotional support, guidance, and resources to help them manage their diagnosis and treatment.

Q: What are some effective coping mechanisms that breast cancer patients can use during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Some effective coping mechanisms that breast cancer patients can use during the psychosocial adjustment process include stress management techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, and social support, such as joining a support group or talking to a friend or family member.

Q: How can breast cancer patients access support services during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Breast cancer patients can access support services during the psychosocial adjustment process by contacting their healthcare provider, a social health worker, or a support organization, such as the American Cancer Society.

Q: What are some common myths about breast cancer and psychosocial adjustment?

A: Some common myths about breast cancer and psychosocial adjustment include the idea that breast cancer patients are always depressed or anxious, and that they will never be able to return to their normal lives.

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones overcome these myths and better support each other during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Breast cancer patients and their loved ones can overcome these myths and better support each other during the psychosocial adjustment process by educating themselves about breast cancer and psychosocial adjustment, and by seeking out support services and resources.

Q: What are some resources available to breast cancer patients and their loved ones during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Some resources available to breast cancer patients and their loved ones during the psychosocial adjustment process include support groups, counseling services, and online resources, such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones stay connected and supported during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Breast cancer patients and their loved ones can stay connected and supported during the psychosocial adjustment process by communicating openly and honestly with each other, seeking out support services and resources, and staying connected with friends and family.

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can take care of themselves during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Some ways that breast cancer patients can take care of themselves during the psychosocial adjustment process include getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring them joy and relaxation.

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones navigate the healthcare system during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Breast cancer patients and their loved ones can navigate the healthcare system during the psychosocial adjustment process by asking questions, seeking out support services and resources, and advocating for themselves and their loved ones.

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can stay connected with their loved ones during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Some ways that breast cancer patients can stay connected with their loved ones during the psychosocial adjustment process include scheduling regular check-ins, sharing their feelings and experiences, and engaging in activities together.

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones find support and resources during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Breast cancer patients and their loved ones can find support and resources during the psychosocial adjustment process by contacting their healthcare provider, a social health worker, or a support organization, such as the American Cancer Society.

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can take care of their physical and emotional needs during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Some ways that breast cancer patients can take care of their physical and emotional needs during the psychosocial adjustment process include getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring them joy and relaxation.

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones stay connected and supported during the psychosocial adjustment process?

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can find meaning and purpose during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Some ways that breast cancer patients can find meaning and purpose during the psychosocial adjustment process include engaging in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, setting goals and working towards them, and connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences.

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones navigate the emotional ups and downs of the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Breast cancer patients and their loved ones can navigate the emotional ups and downs of the psychosocial adjustment process by communicating openly and honestly with each other, seeking out support services and resources, and staying connected with friends and family.

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can take care of their mental health during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Some ways that breast cancer patients can take care of their mental health during the psychosocial adjustment process include seeking out counseling or therapy, engaging in stress management techniques, and connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences.

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones find support and resources during the psychosocial adjustment process?

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can stay connected with their loved ones during the psychosocial adjustment process?

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones navigate the practical challenges of the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Breast cancer patients and their loved ones can navigate the practical challenges of the psychosocial adjustment process by seeking out support services and resources, such as home care and transportation services, and by communicating openly and honestly with each other.

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can find meaning and purpose during the psychosocial adjustment process?

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones stay connected and supported during the psychosocial adjustment process?

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can take care of their physical and emotional needs during the psychosocial adjustment process?

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones navigate the emotional ups and downs of the psychosocial adjustment process?

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can find support and resources during the psychosocial adjustment process?

A: Breast cancer patients can find support and resources during the psychosocial adjustment process by contacting their healthcare provider, a social health worker, or a support organization, such as the American Cancer Society.

Q: How can breast cancer patients and their loved ones stay connected and supported during the psychosocial adjustment process?

Q: What are some ways that breast cancer patients can take care of their mental health during the psychosocial adjustment process?

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