A recent study presented in a program in Dhaka's Mirpur on Friday revealed that medication was more effective for cancer patients who received psychiatric help.
Renata Limited organized the program to provide emotional support to cancer patients, reads a press release issued on Saturday.
The program was held with 45 families of cancer patients at the Renata office in Mirpur in collaboration with the Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC).
The speakers said cancer is not only a physical illness but also a matter of great mental suffering.
In addition to physical treatment, this disease also requires psychological support from the family, they said.
Professor Dr Abul Ahsan Didar, head of the Medical Oncology Department at Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital, said: "When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they often break down mentally first. Moreover, the family also becomes mentally and financially disturbed, feeling helpless.”
“In such conditions, we must be mentally strong. We should avoid saying anything to the patient that might further demoralize them," he added.
Every year, over 200,000 patients are diagnosed with this disease, leading 4-24% to suffer from depression.
Stressing that point, Shahina Akhtar, senior psychiatry counsellor at the Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC), said: “Cancer is treated similarly worldwide. Alongside medication, psychological support can help cancer patients recover more quickly.”
Dr Jannatul Ferdaus and Dr Rubama Karim from Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital were also present at the program.
They said that if necessary, the person caring for the patient should also consult a psychiatrist.
Tanbir Sajib, chief marketing officer of Renata, was also present at the seminar, which was conducted by Amir Abdullah, team leader of the oncology department.
