Emotional support and pancreatic cancer

Cancer is a challenging diagnosis that not only affects the physical health of patients but also has a negative impact on their emotional well-being. In fact, as cancer affects the patient’s body, it can also bring up a lot of different feelings that might be new or more intense than usual. It’s normal for the patient to feel overwhelmed, scared, stressed, anxious, hopeful, angry, sad, grateful, lonely, or guilty. These are all valid emotions, and it’s important for the patient to acknowledge and share them if they feel comfortable doing so.

This disease, whether mild or severe, primarily impacts the most intimate and personal dimensions of those affected. It affects the image of one’s bodily integrity, the structure of thought, emotional and social relationships, and the planning of the future. This “reactive movement” often leads to an identity crisis, the evolution of which significantly varies based on age, life cycle, and personality type. There can be a negative and debilitating evolution dominated by feelings of insecurity, anxiety, precariousness, and fragility. Conversely, it can emerge as an experience of profound human maturation if the prevailing factors are the ability to rework and adapt to the new situation.

This project aims to address the emotional care needs of pancreatic cancer patients by implementing a comprehensive Emotional Care Program. Inspired by the success of the previous physical activity project, this initiative, promoted by Pancreatic Cancer Europe (PCE), will focus on raising awareness, promoting mental health and providing support. PCE aims to extend its support to the emotional well-being of pancreatic cancer patients, acknowledging the vital role emotional care plays in cancer survivorship.