Doctors say finding relief through mental health treatment options is crucial for patients battling cancer.
SEATTLE — Being diagnosed with cancer can be devastating both physically and mentally. Doctors say that while it is crucial to receive physical therapy, it is equally important to receive spiritual therapy.
Among the list of treatments offered at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle is one that patients might not immediately consider: therapy.
“At Fred Hutch, we don’t just worry about tumor markers and getting rid of cancer. We want to think about the whole person and what they’re going through,” said Julia BreschbierFred Hutch Clinical Psychologist.
Receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be extremely painful on a patient’s body. But doctors understand — starting with the devastating news of a cancer diagnosis itself — that the disease can be just as difficult mentally.
“We try to make sure patients are coping well so that they can continue treatment. So things like anxiety, depression, sadness, worry, fear, etc., don’t interfere with cancer care,” Brechbier said.
Brechbiel is one of the following suppliers Psychiatry and Psychology Services Courtesy of Fred Hutch. Fred Hutch patients can have it as part of an overall treatment plan. They will learn coping strategies and behavioral skills. Medications may also be prescribed to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep.
“This is such a unique challenge and it raises a lot of uncertainty, concern and fear, and we don’t know what the future holds,” Brechbier said.
While many patients rely on family and close friends for emotional support, Breschbier said professional treatment can also help.
“Their loved ones may not know how to support them because they haven’t gotten through it yet. This is so new, and they might want to hear from someone like me who sees this all the time, to know that what they’re going through is normal and to know that we know how to treat it,” she said. “We have a lot of evidence-based programs and interventions, just like cancer treatments. We look at programs that address the emotions of cancer patients.”
Treatment services are also available for patients who have recently completed cancer treatment. For more information about treatment options, visit Fred Hutch website.
