Effect of Chemotherapy on Cancer Patient

Chemotherapy can be an important treatment for cancer patients, but it can also cause emotional distress and depression. This article explores the psychological impact of chemotherapy and ways to support patients. Tools for assessing depression and psychological distress are also discussed.

Effect of Chemotherapy on Cancer Patient
Chemotherapy can be an important treatment for the cancer patients. Chemotherapy is
considered as important for prolonging the survival and reducing the disease symptoms
(Harrington & Smith, 2008). However, there are many adverse effects of the chemotherapy
on the physical and mental status of the patient that could prevent them from active
engagement in their life and ca also reduce the quality of patient’s life. One of the most
significant side effects or the symptom of chemotherapy is emotional and mental distress
(Wampaalu et al. 2016). Study conducted by Pasquini & Biondi (2007) depression has also
identified that depressive symptoms and symptoms of emotional distress are identified among
the cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
While caring for a cancer patient during my placement in the palliative care ward, I identified
the symptom of emotional distress and depression as highly prevalent among the patients
undergoing chemotherapy. The effect of emotional distress and depression was that, patient
became hopeless and lost all confidence to get better. It has been identified that palliative care
team supports the patients by providing patient-centred care and involving patient’s family
members to enhance emotional and social support. However, the mental and psychological
impact of chemotherapy is unlikely to be avoided or prevented (Aslam et al. 2014).
The main reason of the psychological distress among the patient undergoing chemotherapy
treatment is “Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity” (Hong, Tian, & Wu, 2014, p.
174). I focused on enhancing the social and emotional support for the patient, by which
patient felt better and was able to cope with his condition. However, something that could
have done better, was to enhance patient’s engagement in relaxation techniques, enhancing
patient’s functional status and working towards improving sleep quality (Hong, Tian, & Wu,

2014; Wampaalu et al. 2016). Controlling the pain is also a significant aspect of improving
the quality of life of cancer patients.
Study conducted by Pasquini, & Biondi (2007) Has identified the instruments or tools of
assessing the depression and psychological distress among Cancer patient. These tools
include BSI (Brief Symptoms Inventory) and the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression
Scale). These tools can be used for the recognition of the psychological distress among
patient undergoing chemotherapy. Some of the other tools identified in the literature are the
Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D), the General Health
Questionnaire–12 (GHQ-12), and the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9) (Grassi et al.
2015; Vodermaier, Linden & Siu, 2009).
The negative experience of the patient due to chemotherapy can significantly affect them.
Also, the side effects of chemotherapy are not just temporary, but can exist for many years
affecting the quality of life of the patient for many years (Aslam et al. 2014). The patient can
be effectively supported during chemotherapy, by engaging the patient with relaxations
techniques, such as music therapy or massage therapy. Patients can also be involved in
various other coping therapies and coping strategies through which the psychological distress
can be reduced (Bergerot, Araujo, & Tróccoli, 2014).

References
Aslam, M. S., Naveed, S., Ahmed, A., Abbas, Z., Gull, I., & Athar, M. A. (2014). Side
effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients and evaluation of patients opinion about starvation
based differential chemotherapy. Journal of Cancer Therapy, 5(8), 817.
Bergerot, C. D., Araujo, T. C. C. F. D., & Tróccoli, B. T. (2014). Assessment of distress
among chemotherapy patients: A comparative study of gender. Paidéia (Ribeirão
Preto), 24(57), 56-65.
Grassi, L., Caruso, R., Sabato, S., Massarenti, S., & Nanni, M. G. (2015). Psychosocial
screening and assessment in oncology and palliative care settings. Frontiers in psychology, 5,
1485.
Harrington, S. E., & Smith, T. J. (2008). The role of chemotherapy at the end of life:“when is
enough, enough?”. Jama, 299(22), 2667-2678.
Hong, J. S., Tian, J., & Wu, L. H. (2014). The influence of chemotherapy-induced
neurotoxicity on psychological distress and sleep disturbance in cancer patients. Current
Oncology, 21(4), 174-180.
Pasquini, M., & Biondi, M. (2007). Depression in cancer patients: a critical review. Clinical
Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 3(1), 2.
Vodermaier, A., Linden, W., & Siu, C. (2009). Screening for emotional distress in cancer
patients: a systematic review of assessment instruments. Journal of the National Cancer
Institute, 101(21), 1464-1488.
Wampaalu, P. B., Eriksson, L. E., Naamala, A., Nabirye, R. C., & Wettergren, L. (2016).
Experiences of patients undergoing chemotherapy-a qualitative study of adults attending
Uganda Cancer Institute. African health sciences, 16(3), 744-749.