Journal of
Public Health and Epidemiology

  • Abbreviation: J. Public Health Epidemiol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2316
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPHE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 651

Article in Press

AWARENESS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS AND IT’S PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Nazat Sultana

  •  Received: 26 April 2019
  •  Accepted: 05 August 2019
Breast cancer is the most common and steeply rising cancer among women in Bangladesh. This qualitative observational study is done to assess the psychosocial sufferings of breast cancer patients. The purpose of the study is to evaluate eradication of social obstacles and to amending the overall level of distress and stigma associated with breast cancer. The observational prospective study was conducted on 240 patients aged 30-70 years at Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2014 to July 2017. The study was measured on breast cancer awareness and psychosocial support for breast cancer patients. In this study, the educational status of the most participants 126 (53%) was up to primary level. Maximum participants (91%) had strong misconception on breast cancer and they lead life with social disgrace. One hundred and Forty Seven (61%) members have poor, Eighty (33%) members have average and the rest Thirteen (6%) have the good awareness about breast cancer. Three fourth (75%) of the patients face negligence from community where few feels suicidal and became victim of psychosocial torture from near ones. The last section consists of family member’s view where most of them (93%) provide support to the patient. In contrary, two third (67%) of the family members do not give psychological support to the patient. The study suggested lack of familial and social consciousness and embarrassment of the cancer patients are the main obstacles to improve the quality of life. To overcome these challenges, we should emphasize on personal & public health education & psychosocial supports, as well as providing counseling, awareness and spiritual support by the caregivers and family members.