'Caregivers of cancer patients get no credit for their role'

As cancer cases rise in the country, the role of family and caregivers becomes important. However, they are a neglected category and no one seems to be helping them understand about care, which in turn will help the patient improve and reduce burden on the medical fraternity.

The views were expressed by caregivers and experts in a seminar ‘Care Givers: The Unsung Heroes’ organised by Cancer Sahyog, the emotional support group of the Indian Cancer Society.

Shabnam Singh, mother of cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who recently joined the Indian cricket team after keeping away from the game for almost 10 months due to cancer treatment, shared her experience.

“It is important for a caregiver to find strength from within, believe in oneself and the loved one who is undergoing treatment and hope for the best despite challenging circumstances,” she said.However, hospital structures do not consider the role of a caregiver in the country.

Necessary nuisance

“Cancer treatment is lengthy and the caregiver is a partner in care. Unfortunately, caregivers in hospitals are accorded the status of supporting cast, treated as necessary nuisance and barely acknowledged by the medical staff,” said Dr Vinod Raina, head of medical oncology in B R Ambedkar-Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS.
According to Dr Raina, a weary caregiver deserves a little thought and hospitals need to bring out a booklet ‘Can I Help You’ with all relevant information anticipating a caregiver’s needs.

-based management of these cases is for a limited period of time,” said Dr Kanchan Kaur, oncologist of Medanta Medicity.

Caregivers by default

She said immediate family members end up becoming caregivers by default, with little understanding of the disease process or its implications.

Jyotsna Govil, secretary of Indian Cancer Society, said in case of a cancer diagnosis in the family, one member shoulders the responsibility of the primary caregiver without any idea of the enormity of the task, including dealing with hospitals, doctors, drugstores and financial and legal issue.